I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

GALATIANS 1:6KJV
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Galatians 1:6 (KJV)

What does Galatians 1:6 mean?

Galatians 1:6 expresses Paul’s surprise and concern that the believers in Galatia are so quickly turning away from the one who called them by the grace of Christ and are starting to follow a different message about the gospel. Paul is warning them that they are abandoning the true foundation of their faith for something else.

Paul, writing to the churches in the region of Galatia, is addressing people who had accepted the Christian message but are now being influenced by other teachings. His strong reaction shows how important he believes it is to stay true to the original message about Jesus and grace, rather than being swayed by new or different versions of the gospel.

The Greek behind Galatians 1:6

  • θαυμάζω (thaumazō, “marvel”): This word means to be amazed or astonished, often with a sense of shock. Paul’s use of it shows his genuine surprise at how quickly the Galatians are changing course.
  • μετατίθεσθε (metatithesthe, “removed”): This Greek word carries the idea of transferring allegiance or deserting one position for another. It suggests not just a casual shift but a serious turning away from their original commitment.
  • εἰς ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον (eis heteron euangelion, “unto another gospel”): The word ἕτερον (heteron) means “another of a different kind,” not just a slightly different version. Paul is stressing that what they are turning to is not just another perspective but something fundamentally different from the true gospel.

Why Galatians 1:6 matters

  • Galatians 1:6 clarifies that Paul sees any departure from the original gospel as a serious issue, not just a minor disagreement or harmless variation.
  • The verse highlights how quickly people can be influenced to change their beliefs, even after a strong start, which sets the stage for the urgency in the rest of Paul’s letter.
  • By using strong language, Paul emphasizes the importance of holding onto the message of grace in Christ, helping readers understand why he is so passionate throughout Galatians.

Where else these words appear

“are” Greek G3346 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 7:16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
  • Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
  • Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

“soon” Greek G5030 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“marvel” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;