An Exegetical Study of Galatians 4:14
This exegetical study of Galatians 4:14 is based on a b-greek discussion from September 2, 1999. The initial inquiry centered on the precise meaning and translational implications of the Greek verb ἐκπτύω in the context of Paul’s description of the Galatians’ reception of him. Specifically, the discussion debated whether the verb should be understood literally as “to spit out” or metaphorically as “to reject” or “to loathe,” particularly considering potential ancient customs of spitting as an apotropaic defense against evil influences or sickness.
The primary exegetical issues revolve around two key phrases within Galatians 4:14. First, the interpretation of οὐκ ἐξουθενήσατε οὐδὲ ἐξεπτύσατε, focusing on whether ἐκπτύω carries a literal or figurative sense and its connection to ancient apotropaic rituals, such as spitting to ward off evil spirits or the “evil eye.” This issue impacts the nuanced understanding of the Galatians’ attitude towards Paul’s physical infirmity. Second, the textual variant concerning πειρασμὸν μου vs. πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν requires careful consideration, as it alters whose “trial” Paul refers to. Furthermore, the rhetorical force of the phrase ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ ἐδέξασθέ με, ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν is debated, with scholars exploring whether it represents hyperbole, intensification, or apposition, and its relation to the dual semantic range of ἄγγελος as “messenger” or “angel.”
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Καὶ τὸν πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου οὐκ ἐξουθενήσατε οὐδὲ ἐξεπτύσατε, ἀλλὰ ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ ἐδέξασθέ με, ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual differences in this verse. The SBLGNT (2010) text is identical to Nestle 1904 for Galatians 4:14.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) provides the reading τὸν πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν. While some manuscripts present μου instead of ὑμῶν, scholarly consensus, supported by principles of textual criticism such as the priority of higher-quality manuscripts and the “more difficult reading” criterion, overwhelmingly favors ὑμῶν. The reading μου (my trial) might be seen as a scribal harmonization or simplification, as it aligns with Paul’s own perceived suffering. However, ὑμῶν (your trial) suggests that Paul’s physical condition was a challenge or source of temptation for the Galatians themselves, making it the more challenging and thus often preferred reading.
Lexical analysis of key terms provides crucial insight:
- ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō): According to standard lexica like BDAG, this verb means “to treat with contempt, despise, disdain, scorn.” It implies a strong negative judgment or a dismissal of something as worthless.
- ἐκπτύω (ekptyō): BDAG offers a dual meaning: (1) “to spit out,” referring to the literal ejection of saliva; (2) a figurative extension, “to reject with contempt, disdain, loathe.” The discussion highlights the ancient cultural practice of spitting as an apotropaic act, a defense against evil spirits or the “evil eye,” particularly when encountering someone perceived as sick or an evil influence. KITTEL (TDNT) would typically trace the verb’s usage across Greek literature, confirming both its literal sense and its metaphorical application to express vehement rejection, often with a sense of revulsion.
- πειρασμός (peirasmos): BDAG defines this noun as “trial, test, temptation.” In the context of Paul’s physical state (ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου), it likely refers to a physical ailment or weakness that was challenging or off-putting to the Galatians.
- ἄγγελος (angelos): This noun can mean both “messenger” and “angel.” The ambiguity is central to the rhetorical analysis of the verse, as Paul’s reception as either a human messenger or a divine angel carries different nuances.
- ὡς (hōs): This particle, meaning “as” or “like,” introduces a comparison. Its precise force in the phrase ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ… ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν is debated, ranging from simple comparison to hyperbole or escalating intensity.
Translation Variants
The translation of Galatians 4:14 presents several significant points of variation, primarily revolving around the nuanced meaning of ἐκπτύω and the rhetorical force of the comparison ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ… ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν.
The phrase οὐκ ἐξουθενήσατε οὐδὲ ἐξεπτύσατε is central. While ἐξουθενήσατε clearly means “you did not despise,” the interpretation of ἐξεπτύσατε is more complex. Many English versions opt for a metaphorical translation such as “loathe,” “reject,” or “scorn.” This choice often leads to a degree of semantic overlap with ἐξουθενήσατε, effectively creating a hendiadys or emphasizing intense rejection. However, some scholars argue for a more literal understanding of ἐκπτύω as “to spit out,” grounded in ancient cultural practices. This interpretation suggests that the Galatians refrained from an actual physical act of spitting, which was a customary apotropaic measure against disease, ill-fortune, or the “evil eye,” particularly when encountering a sick or unfortunate person. If Paul’s physical condition was indeed a πειρασμὸς for them, then refraining from such a customary protective act would signify a profound and counter-cultural acceptance of him. This reading adds a specific, culturally resonant layer of meaning beyond mere intellectual rejection.
The subsequent clause, ἀλλὰ ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ ἐδέξασθέ με, ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν, also invites various interpretations. The particle ὡς introduces a comparison, but its exact nature is debated:
- Apposition or Equivalence: Some scholars suggest that ὡς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν is in apposition to ὡς ἄγγελον Θεοῦ, implying a high degree of equivalence in their reception. This view might see the two phrases as describing the same reality of profound reverence, perhaps with “Christ Jesus” clarifying or specifying the nature of the “angel of God.”
- Intensification or Climax: A more common interpretation views the second comparison as an intensification or climax. Paul begins by stating they received him “as an angel of God,” a high honor, but then escalates this by adding “as Christ Jesus Himself.” This suggests an extraordinary level of reverence and acceptance, moving beyond merely a divine messenger to the divine personification of the message. This interpretation is supported by similar rhetorical devices in other ancient texts, where a series of comparisons builds in significance. The debate on whether Paul might be referencing Old Testament passages like Zechariah 12:8, which also employs an escalating comparison (David, God, Angel of the Lord), underscores this possibility, though some argue against direct textual dependence due to contextual differences.
- Hyperbole: Another perspective is that Paul employs hyperbole. Given that receiving Paul “as Christ Jesus” would imply an almost worshipful welcome, far exceeding the typical reception for a human messenger, this could be an exaggeration to emphasize the extraordinary warmth and acceptance of the Galatians. This is particularly relevant if “angel” is understood merely as “messenger.”
The semantic range of ἄγγελος as both “messenger” and “angel” also plays a role. If “messenger” is emphasized, the hyperbole or escalation is more pronounced. If “angel” (a heavenly being) is understood, the transition to “Christ Jesus” might feel less like a dramatic escalation and more like a theological comparison within a divine hierarchy. The context of Paul’s self-understanding as an apostle (ἀπόστολος), an authoritative messenger of God, lends weight to the “messenger” aspect, while the honorific “angel of God” elevates this status to a profound level.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on the textual evidence and scholarly discussion, the reading πειρασμὸν ὑμῶν is preferred. The interpretation of ἐκπτύω as a literal, apotropaic act (spitting) provides a richer, culturally specific meaning than a purely metaphorical “reject” which might be redundant with ἐξουθενέω. Furthermore, the rhetorical structure of Paul’s reception likely employs an escalating climax, emphasizing the profound honor bestowed upon him.
Here are three translation suggestions that reflect different emphases:
- “And you did not despise or turn away from your trial in my flesh, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus Himself.”
This translation emphasizes the metaphorical rejection of Paul’s infirmity, treating ἐκπτύω as a strong form of rejection, and interprets the latter comparison as a clear climax. - “And you did not despise or spit out what was a trial to you in my physical condition, but you welcomed me as God’s messenger, as Christ Jesus.”
This version leans into the literal sense of ἐκπτύω, highlighting the cultural custom of spitting as an apotropaic act, and renders ἄγγελος as “messenger,” emphasizing the human yet divinely commissioned aspect of Paul. - “And you did not scorn or show contempt for what was your test in my ailing body, but you welcomed me as a divine angel, indeed as Christ Jesus Himself.”
This translation prioritizes the nuance of contempt for ἐκπτύω, while still differentiating it from “scorn,” and interprets ἄγγελος as a divine being, seeing the comparison as an intense affirmation of Paul’s divine authority.