The Meaning of Galatians 1:13 Explained

Galatians 1:13

KJV: For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

YLT: for ye did hear of my behaviour once in Judaism, that exceedingly I was persecuting the assembly of God, and wasting it,

Darby: For ye have heard what was my conversation formerly in Judaism, that I excessively persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it;

ASV: For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  ye have heard  of my  conversation  in time past  in  the Jews' religion,  how that  beyond  measure  I persecuted  the church  of God,  and  wasted  it: 

What does Galatians 1:13 Mean?

Study Notes

Jews' religion
The new dispensation of grace having come in, the Mosaic system, if still persisted in, becomes a mere "Jews' religion."

Context Summary

Galatians 1:11-17 - The True Gospel A Revelation
When men belittle the Apostle's teaching as being purely Pauline, we should recall these strong statements, which attribute his knowledge of the gospel to the direct revelation of the Lord. He received from Christ Himself that which he delivered to the Church. See also Acts 1:2. It was this that made his message authoritative.
What intensity of interest must have gathered for him about Mount Sinai, which doubtless was the objective of his journey into Arabia! Moses and Elijah had been pupils before him in its majestic solitudes. As the Apostle dwelt there, with unlimited opportunity for communion with God, his mind was turned in the direction of that massive system of thought which at once distinguishes his Epistles and connects the New Testament with the Old. It is a profound discovery when God reveals His Son as resident in the believer's soul. That Christ is in each of us, if we be truly regenerated, is indubitable. See 2 Corinthians 13:5. But it seems that, in many cases, a veil hides that blessed fact from our consciousness. We need a miracle of grace, similar to that which at the Crucifixion rent the veil in twain, from the top to the bottom, Matthew 27:51. [source]

Chapter Summary: Galatians 1

1  Paul's greeting to the Galatians;
6  He wonders why they have so soon left him and the gospel;
8  and accurses those who preach any other gospel than he did
11  He learned the gospel not from men, but from God;
14  and shows what he was before his calling;
17  and what he did immediately after it

Greek Commentary for Galatians 1:13

My manner of life [την εμην αναστροπην]
Late word in this sense from Polybius on from αναστρεπομαι — anastrephomai In the older writers it meant literally “return” or “turning back.” See note on 1 Peter 1:15. It is absent in this sense in the papyri though the verb is common. [source]
In the Jews‘ religion [εν τωι Ιουδαισμωι]
“In Judaism.” The word in N.T. only here and next verse, already in 2 Maccabees 2:21; 8:1; 14:38; 4 Maccabees 4:26. In these passages it means the Jewish religion as opposed to the Hellenism that the Syrian Kings were imposing upon the Jews. So later Justin Martyr (386 D) will use Χριστιανισμος — Christianismos for Christianity. Both words are made from verbs in ιζω — ̇izō Beyond measure (κατ υπερβολην — kath' huperbolēn). “According to excess” (throwing beyond, υπερβολη — huperbolē). I persecuted Imperfect active, “I used to persecute” (see Acts 7-9 for the facts). Made havock of it (επορτουν αυτην — eporthoun autēn). Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
Beyond measure [κατ υπερβολην]
“According to excess” (throwing beyond, υπερβολη — huperbolē). [source]
I persecuted [εδιωκον]
Imperfect active, “I used to persecute” (see Acts 7-9 for the facts). Made havock of it (επορτουν αυτην — eporthoun autēn). Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
Made havock of it [επορτουν αυτην]
Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
Conversation [ἀναστροφήν]
Better, manner of life. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
In the Jews' religion [ἐν τῷ Ἱουδαΐσμῷ]
Only here and Galatians 1:14. Lit. in Judaism. It signifies his national religious condition. In lxx, 8:2; 14:38; 4Macc. 4:26. [source]
Beyond measure [καθ ' ὑπερβολὴν]
PLit. according to excess. The noun primarily means a casting beyond, thence superiority, excellency. See 2Corinthians href="/desk/?q=2co+4:7&sr=1">2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 4:17. It is transliterated in hyperbole. For similar phrases comp. 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 19:20; Acts 3:17; Acts 25:23. [source]
Wasted [ἐπόρθουν]
Better, laid waste. In Class. applied not only to things - cities, walls, fields, etc. - but also to persons. So Acts 9:21. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Galatians 1:13

Acts 9:21 Destroyed [πορθήσας]
Rather, laid waste, made havoc of, as Rev. Compare Acts 8:3. Paul uses the same word in Galatians 1:13. [source]
Acts 9:19 Some days [ημερας τινας]
An indefinite period, probably not long, the early period in Damascus before Saul left for Arabia (Galatians 1:13-24). [source]
Acts 9:21 Made havock [πορτησας]
First aorist active participle of πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, an old verb, but only here and Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23 by Paul, an interesting coincidence. It is the old proverb about Saul among the prophets (1 Samuel 10:12) revived with a new meaning (Furneaux). Had come (εληλυτει — elēluthei). Past perfect indicative active. Might bring Second aorist (effective) active subjunctive of αγω — agō with ινα — hina (purpose). Bound (δεδεμενους — dedemenous). Perfect passive participle of δεω — deō Interesting tenses. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:2 The church of God [τηι εκκλησιαι του τεου]
Belonging to God, not to any individual or faction, as this genitive case shows. In 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul wrote “the church of the Thessalonians in God” (εν τεωι — en theōi), but “the churches of God” in 1 Thessalonians 2:14. See same idiom in 1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 11:16, 1 Corinthians 11:22; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13, etc. [source]
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put away [αποτεσται]
Second aorist middle infinitive of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi with the metaphor of putting off clothing or habits as αποτεστε — apothesthe in Colossians 3:8 (which see) with the same addition of “the old man” (τον παλαιον αντρωπον — ton palaion anthrōpon) as in Colossians 3:9. For αναστροπην — anastrophēn (manner of life) see note on Galatians 1:13. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 Conversation [ἀναστροφῇ]
Comp. Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; James 3:13. A favorite word with Peter. See on 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
1 Timothy 1:13 Blasphemer - persecutor - injurious [βλάσφημον - διώκτην - ὑβριστήν]
Neither βλάσφημος nor διώκτης is used by Paul. Βλάσφημος in Acts 7:11; 2 Peter 2:11; διώκτης N.T.o ὑβριστής in Romans 1:30only; often in lxx. See on blasphemy Mark 7:22, and comp. 1 Corinthians 10:30. Ὑβριστής is one whose insolence and contempt of others break forth in wanton and outrageous acts. Paul was ὑβριστής when he persecuted the church. He was ὑβρισθείς shamefullyentreated at Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Christ prophesies that the Son of man shall be shamefully entreated ( ὑβρισθήσεται , Luke 18:32). Similar regretful references of Paul to his former career appear in Acts 22:4; Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23. Such a passage may have occurred in some Pauline letters to which this writer had access, or it may be an imitation. [source]
1 Timothy 1:13 Though I was [οντα]
Concessive participle agreeing with με — me Blasphemer (βλασπημον — blasphēmon). Old word either from βλαχ — blax (stupid) and πημη — phēmē speech, or from βλαπτω — blaptō to injure. Rare in N.T. but Paul uses βλασπημεω — blasphēmeō to blaspheme in Romans 2:24. Persecutor So far found only here. Probably made by Paul from διωκω — diōkō which he knew well enough (Acts 22:4, Acts 22:7; Acts 26:14.; Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23; Philemon 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:12). Injurious (υβριστην — hubristēn). Substantive, not adjective, “an insolent man.” Old word from υβριζω — hubrizō in N.T. only here and Romans 1:30. I obtained mercy First aorist passive indicative of ελεεω — eleeō old verb. See 2 Corinthians 4:1; Romans 11:30. Ignorantly (αγνοων — agnoōn). Present active participle of αγνοεω — agnoeō “not knowing.” Old verb (Romans 2:4). In a blindness of heart. In unbelief See Romans 11:20, Romans 11:25. [source]
1 Timothy 1:13 Persecutor [διωκτης]
So far found only here. Probably made by Paul from διωκω — diōkō which he knew well enough (Acts 22:4, Acts 22:7; Acts 26:14.; Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23; Philemon 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:12). Injurious (υβριστην — hubristēn). Substantive, not adjective, “an insolent man.” Old word from υβριζω — hubrizō in N.T. only here and Romans 1:30. I obtained mercy First aorist passive indicative of ελεεω — eleeō old verb. See 2 Corinthians 4:1; Romans 11:30. Ignorantly (αγνοων — agnoōn). Present active participle of αγνοεω — agnoeō “not knowing.” Old verb (Romans 2:4). In a blindness of heart. In unbelief See Romans 11:20, Romans 11:25. [source]
1 Timothy 1:15 Acceptation [πρωτος]
Genitive case with ην — axios (worthy of). Late word (Polybius, Diod., Jos.) in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 4:9. Chief (ειμι — prōtos). Not ελαχιστος των αποστολων — ēn (I was), but τωι ελαχιστοτερωι παντων αγιων — eimi (I am). “It is not easy to think of any one but St. Paul as penning these words” (White). In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he had called himself “the least of the apostles” (elachistos tōn apostolōn). In Ephesians 3:8 he refers to himself as “the less than the least of all saints” (tōi elachistoterōi pantōn hagiōn). On occasion Paul would defend himself as on a par with the twelve apostles (Galatians 2:6-10) and superior to the Judaizers (2 Corinthians 11:5.; 2 Corinthians 12:11). It is not mock humility here, but sincere appreciation of the sins of his life (cf. Romans 7:24) as a persecutor of the church of God (Galatians 1:13), of men and even women (Acts 22:4.; Acts 26:11). He had sad memories of those days. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 How to rule [προστηναι]
Second aorist active infinitive of same verb προιστημι — proistēmi and with οιδεν — oiden means “know how to rule,” not “know that he rules.” How (πως — pōs). Rhetorical question expecting negative answer. Shall he take care of Future middle of επιμελεομαι — epimeleomai old compound Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 Shall he take care of [επιμελησεται]
Future middle of επιμελεομαι — epimeleomai old compound Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 The church of God [εκκλησιας τεου]
Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 An ensample [τυπος]
Old word from τυπτω — tuptō a type. Pauline use of the word (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Philemon 3:17; Titus 2:7). To them that believe (των πιστων — tōn pistōn). Objective genitive. In word In conversation as well as in public speech. In manner of life (εν αναστροπηι — en anastrophēi). “In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). In purity Old word from αγνευω — hagneuō Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers 6:2, Numbers 6:21). Only here and 1 Timothy 5:2 in N.T. [source]
1 Timothy 1:15 Chief [ειμι]
Not ελαχιστος των αποστολων — ēn (I was), but τωι ελαχιστοτερωι παντων αγιων — eimi (I am). “It is not easy to think of any one but St. Paul as penning these words” (White). In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he had called himself “the least of the apostles” In Ephesians 3:8 he refers to himself as “the less than the least of all saints” On occasion Paul would defend himself as on a par with the twelve apostles (Galatians 2:6-10) and superior to the Judaizers (2 Corinthians 11:5.; 2 Corinthians 12:11). It is not mock humility here, but sincere appreciation of the sins of his life (cf. Romans 7:24) as a persecutor of the church of God (Galatians 1:13), of men and even women (Acts 22:4.; Acts 26:11). He had sad memories of those days. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 Thy youth [σου της νεοτητος]
Genitive case of old word (from νεος — neos) as in Mark 10:20. Be thou (γινου — ginou). Present middle imperative of γινομαι — ginomai “Keep on becoming thou.” An ensample Old word from τυπτω — tuptō a type. Pauline use of the word (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Philemon 3:17; Titus 2:7). To them that believe (των πιστων — tōn pistōn). Objective genitive. In word In conversation as well as in public speech. In manner of life (εν αναστροπηι — en anastrophēi). “In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). In purity Old word from αγνευω — hagneuō Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers 6:2, Numbers 6:21). Only here and 1 Timothy 5:2 in N.T. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 In word [εν λογωι]
In conversation as well as in public speech. In manner of life (εν αναστροπηι — en anastrophēi). “In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). In purity Old word from αγνευω — hagneuō Sinlessness of life. Used of a Nazirite (Numbers 6:2, Numbers 6:21). Only here and 1 Timothy 5:2 in N.T. [source]
1 Timothy 4:12 In manner of life [εν αναστροπηι]
“In bearing” (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22). [source]
2 Timothy 1:3 From my forefathers [ἀπὸ προγόνων]
Πρόγονος , PastoSee on 1 Timothy 5:4. The phrase N.T.oFor the thought, comp. Acts 14:14; Philemon 3:5. He means, in the spirit and with the principles inherited from his fathers. Comp. the sharp distinction between the two periods of Paul's life, Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:14. [source]
James 3:13 Wise and understanding [σοπος και επιστημων]
Σοπος — Sophos is used for the practical teacher (James 3:1), επιστημων — epistēmōn (old word from επισταμαι — epistamai here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In Deuteronomy 1:13, Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.Let him shew (δειχατω — deixatō). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμι — deiknumi old verb to show. As about faith in James 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.By his good life For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι — anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας — en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]
James 3:13 By his good life [εκ της καλης αναστροπης]
For this literary Koiné word from αναστρεπομαι — anastrephomai (walk, conduct) see Galatians 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητι σοπιας — en prautēti sophias). As in James 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:29 and Zechariah 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Matthew 21:5. Startling combination. [source]

What do the individual words in Galatians 1:13 mean?

You have heard of for - my way of life former in - Judaism that beyond exceeding measure I was persecuting the church - of God and was destroying it
Ἠκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὅτι καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν

Ἠκούσατε  You  have  heard  of 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
τὴν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἐμὴν  my 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative Feminine 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐμός  
Sense: my, mine, etc.
ἀναστροφήν  way  of  life 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀναστροφή  
Sense: manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment.
ποτε  former 
Parse: Particle
Root: ποτέ  
Sense: once i.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰουδαϊσμῷ  Judaism 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰουδαϊσμός  
Sense: the Jewish faith and worship, religion of the Jews, Judaism.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
καθ’  beyond 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
ὑπερβολὴν  exceeding  measure 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὑπερβολή  
Sense: a throwing beyond.
ἐδίωκον  I  was  persecuting 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: διώκω  
Sense: to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away.
ἐκκλησίαν  church 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐπόρθουν  was  destroying 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: πορθέω  
Sense: to destroy, overthrow.