King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:13 Mean?

Galatians 4:13 in the King James Version says “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.”

Galatians 4:13 · KJV

Context

11

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

12

Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

13

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

15

Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Where: or, What was then

Read Galatians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. Paul reminds them of his initial visit. "Ye know" (oidate, οἴδατε)—you're aware, you remember. "Through infirmity of the flesh" (di' astheneian tēs sarkos)—because of weakness of the flesh. Astheneia (ἀσθένεια) means weakness, sickness, illness. Paul apparently had a physical ailment when he first came to them. The preposition "through" or "because of" (dia) suggests the illness occasioned his stay and gospel-preaching among them.

"I preached the gospel unto you at the first" (euēngelisamēn hymin to proteron)—his initial evangelization. Speculation about Paul's ailment ranges from malaria to eye disease to aftermath of persecution. The point isn't the specific malady but that despite physical suffering, Paul preached the gospel, and they received it. His weakness didn't invalidate his message. This prepares for verse 14's point about their initial reception despite his condition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Acts 13-14 narrates Paul's first missionary journey through southern Galatia (Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe). Acts 14:19 mentions Paul being stoned at Lystra and left for dead. His "infirmity" may have been lingering effects of persecution or a chronic condition (possibly the "thorn in the flesh" of 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). The Galatians received the gospel despite Paul's unimpressive physical state, demonstrating the Spirit's power, not human eloquence or appearance (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use weakness, suffering, and physical limitation to display the gospel's power rather than human strength?
  2. Do you dismiss spiritual truth from messengers who lack impressive appearance, eloquence, or health?
  3. How has God used your weaknesses and limitations to create opportunities for gospel proclamation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἴδατε1 of 11

“Ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 11
G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι3 of 11

“how”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δι'4 of 11

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἀσθένειαν5 of 11

“infirmity”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

τῆς6 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκὸς7 of 11

“of the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

εὐηγγελισάμην8 of 11

“I preached the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

ὑμῖν9 of 11

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸ10 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρότερον11 of 11

“at the first”

G4386

previously

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 4:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:32 Corinthians 12:7-102 Corinthians 10:102 Corinthians 11:30Galatians 1:62 Corinthians 11:6

Test Your Knowledge

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