As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

GALATIANS 1:9KJV
Know the Bible

Galatians 1:9 (KJV)

What does Galatians 1:9 mean?

Galatians 1:9 warns that anyone who preaches a different message about Jesus than the one the Galatians originally received should be considered “accursed,” which means cut off from God’s blessing. Paul repeats this strong warning to show how seriously he takes the truth of the gospel he first taught them.

Paul, writing to the churches in Galatia, is addressing a situation where some people are teaching a different version of the good news about Jesus. Paul insists that the message he shared with them is the true one, and he emphasizes—by repeating himself—that changing this message is a very serious matter. This verse shows Paul’s urgency and the importance he places on staying faithful to the original gospel.

The Greek behind Galatians 1:9

  • ἀνάθεμα (anathema): This word is translated “accursed” and means something or someone devoted to destruction or set apart from God’s people. Paul’s use of such a strong term shows the seriousness of changing the gospel message.
  • παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō): Translated as “received,” this word means to take or accept something handed over. Paul is reminding the Galatians that the gospel they accepted from him is the standard, not any new teaching.
  • εὐαγγελίζομαι (euangelizomai): This is the verb for “preach the gospel.” Paul is not talking about just any message, but specifically about proclaiming the good news about Jesus.

Why Galatians 1:9 matters

  • Galatians 1:9 clears up any idea that the gospel message can be changed or adjusted to fit new ideas or pressures; Paul says the original message is the only true one.
  • The verse shows how Paul repeats himself for emphasis, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and his concern for the Galatians’ spiritual well-being.
  • This warning ties directly to the rest of Galatians, where Paul defends his message and authority, showing that the foundation of faith must not be altered.

Where else these words appear

“accursed” Greek G331 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 23:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

“before” Greek G4280 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
  • Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

“be” Greek G2077 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

“now” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • John 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.