Galatians 2:4

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An Exegetical Analysis of Galatians 2:4-6: Grammatical Structures and Discourse Functions

This exegetical study of The structures of Gal 2:4 and 2:6 is based on a b-greek discussion from Mon Apr 22 10:46:25 EDT 2002. The initial inquiry centers on the grammatical ambiguity in Galatians 2:4-5, specifically the implicit subject in common English translations, such as “(It is) because of the false brothers who…”, which lacks a clear referent from the preceding verse. Verse 3 states that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised, but this does not explicitly clarify “what” happened because of the false brothers.

The core exegetical issue revolves around the grammatical structure of Galatians 2:4-5 and its relationship to the surrounding verses (especially 2:3 and 2:6). Scholars debate whether the passage contains an elliptical clause requiring an implied verb (e.g., ἔστιν), or if it represents an anacoluthon, reflecting Paul’s emotional state. Furthermore, the function of the discourse marker δὲ in signaling shifts in narrative or argument is a key point of contention. These interpretations significantly impact the understanding of the sequence of events (Antioch vs. Jerusalem) and Paul’s overall rhetorical strategy in his letter to the Galatians.

4 διὰ δὲ τοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους οἵτινες παρεισῆλθον κατασκοπῆσαι τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν […] 5 οἷς οὐδὲ πρὸς ὥραν εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ ἵνα ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου διαμείνῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς.

(Nestle 1904, as presented in the discussion content)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The provided Greek text (from Nestle 1904 as inferred from the discussion) significantly omits a substantial phrase found in SBLGNT (and NA28) at the end of verse 4. SBLGNT reads: οἵτινες παρεισῆλθον κατασκοπῆσαι τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν ἣν ἔχομεν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν —. The omission of ἣν ἔχομεν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν — in the provided text drastically changes the structure and flow of the sentence, particularly its connection to verse 5.
• Apart from this major omission, the remaining words are largely consistent with SBLGNT, including the presence of οἷς at the beginning of verse 5.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG)

The NA28 critical edition includes the expanded text for Galatians 2:4-5, reflecting strong manuscript support (P46, א, A, B, C, D, F, G, P, Ψ, etc.). The omission of the phrase ἣν ἔχομεν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἵνα ἡμᾶς καταδουλώσουσιν — in some textual traditions is generally considered secondary. For the purpose of this exegesis, we primarily address the provided text, while acknowledging this significant textual variant.

Lexical notes for key terms in Galatians 2:4-5:

• διὰ δὲ τοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους (v. 4): The preposition διὰ with the accusative typically indicates cause or reason, meaning “because of” or “on account of.” παρεισάκτους (BDAG: “brought in secretly/insidiously,” “stealthy”) refers to those who have infiltrated. ψευδαδέλφους (BDAG: “false brothers,” “pretended brothers”) denotes individuals who feign Christian brotherhood but harbor malicious intent or propagate erroneous teachings.
• οἵτινες παρεισῆλθον κατασκοπῆσαι τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν (v. 4): οἵτινες (“who indeed,” “such as these”) often introduces a causal or characteristic clause. παρεισῆλθον (BDAG: “to come in secretly or stealthily”) reinforces the surreptitious nature of their entry. κατασκοπῆσαι (BDAG: “to spy out,” “to observe with hostile intent,” “to find out in order to harm”) clarifies their hostile purpose. τὴν ἐλευθερίαν ἡμῶν refers to the freedom believers experience in Christ from the Mosaic Law.
• οἷς οὐδὲ πρὸς ὥραν εἴξαμεν τῇ ὑποταγῇ (v. 5): οἷς is a dative plural pronoun, potentially relative (“to whom”) or demonstrative (“to these”). οὐδὲ πρὸς ὥραν is an emphatic negation meaning “not even for an hour” or “not even for a moment.” εἴξαμεν (from εἴκω) means “we yielded,” “we gave way,” or “we submitted.” τῇ ὑποταγῇ (BDAG: “submission,” “subordination,” “obedience”) indicates the object of their potential yielding.
• ἵνα ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου διαμείνῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς (v. 5): ἵνα introduces a purpose clause (“in order that,” “so that”). ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου refers to the essential truth of the gospel message. διαμείνῃ (BDAG: “to remain permanently,” “to continue through”) expresses the desired outcome of Paul’s actions. πρὸς ὑμᾶς means “among you” or “with you.”

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The interpretive challenge in Galatians 2:4-5 lies in establishing a coherent grammatical and rhetorical connection between these verses and the surrounding context. Three main approaches emerged in the discussion:

1. Interpretation as Anacoluthon: Paul’s Emotional Interruption
This view proposes that Paul, in his passionate and turbulent state of mind, started a sentence with διὰ δὲ τοὺς… (a “because of” clause) but did not grammatically complete it. Instead, he became sidetracked by his strong emotional reaction to the “false brothers” and their “espionage,” leading him to emphatically state his non-submission in verse 5. The original intended consequence of the “because of” clause is left unstated as Paul’s anger and determination override grammatical precision. This interpretation posits that Paul’s writing style is loose, even conversational, reflecting the immediate flow of his thoughts rather than careful rhetoric. The parenthetical remark about not submitting (verse 5) is seen as a forceful interjection that breaks the grammatical chain. A scholar supporting this view suggested that Paul “started writing and switched horses/grammatical structures—in mid-stream/mid-sentence.”

2. Interpretation with Implicit Esti and Discourse Function of De
This approach suggests that the phrase διὰ δὲ τοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους in verse 4 implies an unstated verb such as ἔστιν (“it is”). Thus, the clause should be understood as “(It was) because of the false brothers…” This implied subject “it” would then refer to the broader context of verses 1-2, specifically the journey to Jerusalem and its purpose. Furthermore, this interpretation emphasizes the discourse function of δὲ. In verse 4, δὲ is understood as indicating a flashback or background comment, explaining the reason or occasion for the journey and dispute. In verse 6, the subsequent δὲ is then understood as signaling a return to the main storyline, resuming the narrative thread from verses 2-3 about the discussions with the apostles in Jerusalem. This perspective offers a structured, albeit non-linear, narrative flow, connecting Galatians 2:1-10 to the events described in Acts 15 as Paul’s reiteration of those incidents. This view suggests that Paul’s narrative is intentionally organized using discourse markers to shift between foregrounded events and background explanations.

3. Interpretation as Topical Introduction with Demonstrative Pronoun
This reading proposes that διὰ δὲ τοὺς παρεισάκτους ψευδαδέλφους in verse 4 functions to introduce a topic, akin to “Concerning the false brothers…” In this context, διὰ would not be strictly causal but a marker for a new subject of discussion. Subsequently, οἷς in verse 5 is interpreted as a demonstrative pronoun (“to these”) rather than a relative pronoun (“to whom”), referring back to the “false brothers” and emphasizing Paul’s resolute stance against them. This interpretation draws a parallel with the structure of verse 2:6, where ἀπὸ δὲ τῶν δοκούντων εἶναί τι (“But concerning those reputed to be somebody”) is also understood as introducing a topic. This approach seeks to regularize the grammar by understanding these phrases as parallel topical introductions, thereby highlighting the contrast between the “false brothers” and the “recognized leaders.”

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The grammatical structure of Galatians 2:4-5 presents a classic interpretive challenge, stemming from Paul’s dynamic and often abrupt writing style. While the anacoluthon theory accounts for Paul’s emotional intensity, the discourse-oriented approach offers a plausible explanation for the seeming structural breaks by identifying the purposeful use of discourse markers. The topical interpretation provides another way to regularize the grammar. Ultimately, each approach sheds light on different aspects of Paul’s communication, whether his passionate rhetoric or his strategic narrative organization.

Considering the analyses, here are three translation suggestions that reflect these interpretive nuances:

1. Because of the secretly brought-in false brothers who stealthily came to spy out our freedom—we did not yield to them in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you!
   
   This translation captures the anacoluthon, reflecting Paul’s emotional interruption and emphatic shift from explaining the cause to directly stating his resolute action.
2. (It was) because of the secretly brought-in false brothers, who stealthily came to spy out our freedom. To these we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
   
   This version incorporates an implied verb and interprets verse 4 as a flashback or background statement explaining the circumstances leading to the events in Jerusalem, using διὰ causally.
3. Concerning the secretly brought-in false brothers, who stealthily came to spy out our freedom—to these we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
   
   This translation takes διὰ as introducing a topic, similar to “Concerning,” and treats οἷς as a demonstrative pronoun, emphasizing the subject shift and Paul’s direct address of the challenge.

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