King James Version
What Does Galatians 4:16 Mean?
“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”
Context
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
16
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17
They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. exclude you: or, exclude us
18
But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **Your enemy.**—“The enemy” was the name by which St. Paul was commonly referred to by the party hostile to him in the next century. It is quite possible that the phrase “your enemy” ought to be placed, as it wore, in inverted commas, and attributed to the Judaising sectaries—”your enemy,” as these false teachers call me.
**Because I tell you the truth.**—It would seem that something had happened upon St. Paul’s second visit to Galatia (the visit recorded in Acts 18:23) which had caused a change in their feelings towards him. His plain speaking had given offence.
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 4:16 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 4:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge