King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:15 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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.

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

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. exclude you: or, exclude us

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Where.**—The reading of the Received text is “What,” which, however, must be taken as if it were equivalent to “where,” the reading which has the strongest attestation. **The blessedness ye spake of.**—The Greek is a single word: *your felicitation of yourselves; your boast of blessedness;* or (as we should say) *your boasted blessedness.* What has become of all those loud assertions in which you were once heard declaring yourselves “blest” in the presence of the Apostle? **For.**—You did declare yourselves blest; for, &c. **Ye would have plucked out your own eyes.**—The word “own” should be struck out, and the emphasis laid on “eyes.” The inference which has been drawn from this passage, that St. Paul suffered from an affection of the eyes, hardly seems to hold good. The “eyes” may be mentioned only as something peculiarly dear and precious. Comp. the Old Testament phrase, “to keep as the apple of an eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Proverbs 7:2).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.