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An Exegetical Analysis of Galatians 4:13: The Semantic Function of δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός
This exegetical study of Gal. 4:13 is based on a b-greek discussion from Sun Nov 11 16:45:22 EST 2001. The initial query concerned the meaning of the particles ὅτι δι’ in Galatians 4:13, with a particular focus on how English translations are divided between rendering them as indicating the *cause* of Paul’s initial preaching to the Galatians or a *circumstantial condition* accompanying it. The central question posed was whether the Greek text offers clear indicators to favor one semantic option over the other.
The primary exegetical issue under examination is the precise semantic force of the prepositional phrase δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός in Galatians 4:13. While the initial discussion included the conjunction ὅτι, it was subsequently clarified that ὅτι functions independently as an indirect statement marker following the verb οἴδατε (“you know”), introducing the content of the Galatians’ knowledge. The core interpretive challenge therefore resides in discerning whether διὰ with the accusative case here signifies *causation* (i.e., “because of a physical illness”) or merely *attendant circumstance* (i.e., “when I was sick” or “while I was sick”). This distinction has significant implications for understanding the background of Paul’s ministry in Galatia and for accurate translation into receptor languages.
Greek text (Nestle 1904):
Οἴδατε δὲ ὅτι δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν τὸ πρότερον.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants affecting the interpretation of δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός are present between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. Both editions present an identical reading for Galatians 4:13.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
Textual analysis confirms the stability of Galatians 4:13 across critical editions. The reading δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός is uniformly attested in NA28 and other major critical texts, indicating no significant manuscript evidence for alternative readings that would alter its grammatical structure or lexical components. Therefore, the interpretive challenge is semantic and syntactic, not textual.
Lexically, the preposition διὰ (διά) in the New Testament can govern either the genitive or the accusative case, with distinct semantic implications. When governing the genitive, διὰ typically denotes the *means* or *instrument* (“through”). However, when governing the accusative case, as it does in Galatians 4:13 (δι’ ἀσθένειαν), standard Koine Greek grammar and lexicography overwhelmingly indicate a *causal* sense. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Lexicon of the New Testament) explicitly lists “on account of, because of, for the sake of, for this reason” as the primary meaning of διὰ with the accusative, specifically noting its use “to denote the cause or basis for an event or state” (BDAG, s.v. διά, 2). Similarly, KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. 2, pp. 65-70) reinforces this causal function for διὰ + accusative in various contexts. The noun ἀσθένεια (ἀσθένειαν in the accusative) means “weakness, sickness, illness” (BDAG, s.v. ἀσθένεια). KITTEL (Vol. 1, pp. 490-493) further elaborates on its usage, including references to physical ailments experienced by Paul. The phrase τῆς σαρκός (“of the flesh”) specifies the nature of the weakness as physical or bodily.
Translation Variants
The discussion highlights a division among English translations regarding the semantic function of δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός. One interpretive camp renders the phrase causally, aligning with the predominant lexicographical evidence for διὰ + accusative. Examples of this include translations like the NET Bible: “But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you” (Gal. 4:13). This interpretation posits Paul’s physical infirmity as the direct reason or impetus for his initial evangelistic encounter with the Galatians. The underlying implication is that his illness, perhaps by delaying him or diverting his intended route, led him to preach to them.
The alternative interpretive camp, while acknowledging Paul’s illness, renders the phrase as a circumstantial condition, effectively separating the illness from being the *cause* of the preaching, but rather a *coinciding circumstance*. Examples cited from the discussion include translations such as God’s Word: “You know that the first time I brought you the Good News I was ill“; the New Living Translation: “Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News of Christ”; and J.B. Phillips: “You know how handicapped I was by illness when I first preached the gospel to you.” These translations convey that Paul was ill *at the time* of his preaching, but do not explicitly state that the illness was the *reason* for it.
Grammatically, the strong consensus among scholars and lexicons for διὰ + accusative to denote causation weighs heavily against a purely circumstantial rendering. While it is true that Paul “had an infirmity when he first preached to you,” a translation that only conveys this temporal or co-occurring aspect misses the specific causal force of διὰ. The phrase implies a direct relationship between the illness and the act of preaching, suggesting that the illness somehow *occasioned* or *facilitated* the preaching to the Galatians. This is not to say that Paul’s illness was the ultimate theological reason for his preaching (which was his divine calling), but that it was the immediate, human circumstance that *caused* him to preach to *them* at that particular time.
Rhetorically, a causal understanding of Paul’s illness in 4:13 sets up the contrast in 4:14 more effectively. Paul states, “and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me” (NET). If his illness was the *reason* he came to them, it might have been seen as a vulnerability or even a sign of divine disfavor, which could have led to their rejection. Instead, they welcomed him “as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus” (4:14). The causal link emphasizes the magnanimity of the Galatians’ reception: *despite* the challenging circumstances that brought him (his illness), they welcomed him wholeheartedly. This dynamic is crucial to Paul’s argument in Galatians, where he contrasts their initial devoted reception with their current wavering loyalty.
Some propose a “circumstantial cause” or “secondary cause” to reconcile the explicit causal force of διὰ + accusative with the lack of detailed historical information about how the illness specifically led to the preaching. This approach suggests that while Paul’s overarching purpose for preaching was God’s call, his physical infirmity served as the immediate, situational cause for his specific mission to the Galatians at that time. This nuanced interpretation acknowledges the grammatical requirement of causation while accommodating the mystery of the specific historical events.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on the strong lexicographical and grammatical evidence, the interpretation that construes δι’ ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκός in Galatians 4:13 as a causal phrase is the most robust. While the specific nature of Paul’s illness and the exact mechanism by which it led to his evangelism in Galatia remain subjects of scholarly speculation, the Greek syntax demands that the illness be understood as the reason or occasion for his preaching to them. The passage highlights the Galatians’ commendable reception of Paul despite his physical vulnerability, providing a rhetorical foundation for Paul’s subsequent appeal to their past loyalty.
Here are three translation suggestions that reflect this understanding:
- “You know that because of a physical illness I first proclaimed the gospel to you.”
This translation directly conveys the causal link in a clear and concise manner, reflecting the primary semantic force of διὰ + accusative. - “You yourselves know that it was due to a bodily weakness that I initially brought the good news to you.”
This option emphasizes the “due to” aspect, reinforcing causation while maintaining a formal tone. It also slightly varies the phrasing for “physical illness” and “first proclaimed.” - “You recall that my physical infirmity was the occasion for my first preaching the gospel to you.”
This translation embraces the nuance of a “secondary” or “circumstantial” cause, suggesting the illness set the stage or provided the opportunity for his evangelism to them, without implying it was his ultimate purpose.
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