Galatians 4:15
New International Version
Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

New Living Translation
Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible.

English Standard Version
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.

Berean Standard Bible
What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Berean Literal Bible
What has become then of your blessedness? For I bear witness to you that, if possible, having gouged out your eyes, you would have given them to me.

King James Bible
Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

New King James Version
What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.

New American Standard Bible
Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I testify about you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

NASB 1995
Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

NASB 1977
Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

Amplified Bible
What then has become of that sense of blessing and the joy that you once had [from your salvation and your relationship with Christ]? For I testify of you that, if possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me [to replace mine].

Christian Standard Bible
Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

American Standard Version
Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

Contemporary English Version
Where is that good feeling now? I am sure if it had been possible, you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me.

English Revised Version
Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
What happened to your positive attitude? It's a fact that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Good News Translation
You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me.

International Standard Version
What, then, happened to your positive attitude? For I testify that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Majority Standard Bible
What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

NET Bible
Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!

New Heart English Bible
Where was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

Webster's Bible Translation
What then was the blessedness ye spoke of; for I bear you testimony, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Weymouth New Testament
I ask you, then, what has become of your self-congratulations? For I bear you witness that had it been possible you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me.

World English Bible
What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
what then was your blessedness? For I testify to you, that if possible, having plucked out your eyes, you would have given [them] to me;

Berean Literal Bible
What has become then of your blessedness? For I bear witness to you that, if possible, having gouged out your eyes, you would have given them to me.

Young's Literal Translation
what then was your happiness? for I testify to you, that if possible, your eyes having plucked out, ye would have given to me;

Smith's Literal Translation
What then was your happiness? for I testify to you, that, if possible, having plucked out your eyes, ye would have given to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where is then your blessedness? For I bear you witness, that, if it could be done, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and would have given them to me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, where is your happiness? For I offer to you testimony that, if it could be done, you would have plucked out your own eyes and would have given them to me.

New American Bible
Where now is that blessedness of yours? Indeed, I can testify to you that, if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

New Revised Standard Version
What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Where is then the blessedness you had? for I can testify concerning you, that if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Where is therefore your blessedness, for I testify of you that if it were possible, you would have plucked out and given your eyes to me?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
How great, then, was your blessedness! For I testify for you, that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes, and have given them to me.

Godbey New Testament
Where then is your happiness? for I testify to you that, if possible, having plucked out your eyes, you would have given them to me.

Haweis New Testament
What then was your blessedness, for I bear witness to you that, if it were possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes, and given them to me.

Mace New Testament
what benedictions did you then pour out upon me! for I bear you witness, that, had it been practicable, you would have pulled out your very eyes, and given them to me.

Weymouth New Testament
I ask you, then, what has become of your self-congratulations? For I bear you witness that had it been possible you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me.

Worrell New Testament
Where, then, is your benedictions for me? For I bear you witness that, if possible, plucking out your eyes, ye would have given them to me!

Worsley New Testament
What then was your blessedness? for I bear you witness that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Fears for the Galatians
14And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?…

Cross References
Philippians 1:8
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 7:7
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

1 Thessalonians 2:8
We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.

2 Corinthians 12:15
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Romans 9:3
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

1 Corinthians 16:24
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. / It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. / As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

1 John 3:16
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Matthew 5:29
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Matthew 18:9
And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Romans 16:4
who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

1 Samuel 18:1-3
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.


Treasury of Scripture

Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Where is.

Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 6:4
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

I bear.

Romans 10:2
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

2 Corinthians 8:3
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Colossians 4:13
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

if.

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Romans 9:3
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

1 Thessalonians 2:8
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

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Bear Blessedness Blessing Condition Enjoyed Eyes Felt Happiness Happy Joy Plucked Possible Record Satisfaction Sense Testify Testimony Torn Witness
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Bear Blessedness Blessing Condition Enjoyed Eyes Felt Happiness Happy Joy Plucked Possible Record Satisfaction Sense Testify Testimony Torn Witness
Galatians 4
1. We were under the law till Christ came, as the heir is under the guardian till he be of age.
5. But Christ freed us from the law;
7. therefore we are servants no longer to it.
14. Paul remembers the Galatians' good will to him, and his to them;
22. and shows that we are the sons of Abraham by the freewoman.














What then has become of your blessing?
This phrase reflects Paul's deep concern and bewilderment over the Galatians' spiritual state. The Greek word for "blessing" here is "makarismos," which can also mean happiness or a state of blessedness. Historically, Paul had a close and affectionate relationship with the Galatians, who initially received him with great joy and gratitude. This rhetorical question underscores a shift from their previous state of spiritual joy and acceptance of the Gospel to a current state of confusion and deviation, likely due to the influence of Judaizers. It serves as a call for self-reflection, urging the Galatians to consider how they have strayed from the truth that once brought them such joy.

For I can testify
Paul uses the phrase "I can testify" to assert his personal witness and authority. The Greek word "martyreo" means to bear witness or to affirm that one has seen or heard something. In the context of the early church, personal testimony was a powerful tool for establishing truth and credibility. Paul is reminding the Galatians of his firsthand experience with their initial reception of the Gospel, reinforcing his authority as an apostle and the authenticity of his message.

that, if it were possible
This conditional phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario, emphasizing the depth of the Galatians' previous commitment and love for Paul. The Greek word "ei" (if) sets up a situation that is contrary to fact, highlighting the extremity of their former devotion. It suggests that their past willingness to go to great lengths for Paul was not just theoretical but was a genuine expression of their faith and affection.

you would have torn out your eyes
This vivid metaphor illustrates the Galatians' profound dedication and willingness to sacrifice for Paul. The act of "tearing out your eyes" is hyperbolic, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice and selflessness. In the ancient world, the eyes were often seen as the most precious part of the body, essential for life and well-being. This expression underscores the depth of their love and the extent to which they valued Paul's presence and teaching.

and given them to me
The phrase "and given them to me" completes the metaphor, emphasizing the Galatians' readiness to give up something invaluable for Paul's sake. This act of giving is rooted in the Greek word "didomi," which means to bestow or present. It reflects the early Christian community's spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice, inspired by Christ's own sacrificial love. Historically, this level of devotion would have been seen as a profound expression of loyalty and commitment, both to Paul as their spiritual leader and to the Gospel he preached.

(15) Where.--The reading of the Received text is "What," which, however, must be taken as if it were equivalent to "where," the reading which has the strongest attestation.

The blessedness ye spake of.--The Greek is a single word: your felicitation of yourselves; your boast of blessedness; or (as we should say) your boasted blessedness. What has become of all those loud assertions in which you were once heard declaring yourselves "blest" in the presence of the Apostle?

For.--You did declare yourselves blest; for, &c.

Ye would have plucked out your own eyes.--The word "own" should be struck out, and the emphasis laid on "eyes." The inference which has been drawn from this passage, that St. Paul suffered from an affection of the eyes, hardly seems to hold good. The "eyes" may be mentioned only as something peculiarly dear and precious. Comp. the Old Testament phrase, "to keep as the apple of an eye" (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Proverbs 7:2).

Verse 15. - Where is then (or, what was then) the blessedness ye spake of? (ποῦ οϋν [Receptus τίς οϋν η΅ν] ὁ μακαρισμὸς ὑμῶν;); where, then, is that gratulation of yourselves (or, of yours)? The reading, ποῦ οϋν, which is that of the best manuscripts, is now generally accepted in preference to that of the Textus Receptus, τίς οϋν η΅ν, in which, however, τίς οϋν stands on a higher footing of evidence than the remaining word η΅ν. This latter reading may be taken to mean: either, "Of what sort, then, was that gratulation of yours? "that is, what was its value in respect to the depth of conviction on which it was founded? - τίς being qualis, as Luke 10:22; Luke 19:3, etc., which would bring us to much the same result as ποῦ: or, "How great, then, was that gratulation of yours!" But the "then" (οϋν) comes in lamely; τότε ("at that time") would have been more in place; and, further, it is questionable whether the τίς of admiration ever occurs without the wonder taking a tinge of inquiry, as, for example, Mark 6:2; Luke 5:21; Colossians 1:27, which would be out of place here. With the more approved reading, ποῦ οϋν, the apostle asks, "What is, then, become of that gratulation of yourselves?" The "then" recites the fact, implied in the description given of their former behaviour, that they did once felicitate themselves on the apostle's having brought them the gospel. This is more directly brought into view in the words which follow. As the verb μακαρίζω means "pronounce happy," as Luke 1:48 and James 5:11, the substantive μακαρισμὸς denotes "pronouncing one to be happy;" as Romans 4:6, 9. So Clement of Rome ('Ad Cor.,' 50), who weaves the apostle's words into his own sentence with the same meaning. This felicitation must have been pronounced by the Galatians upon themselves, not upon the apostle; the apostle would have spoken of himself on the object of their εὐλογία, not of their μακαρισμός. For I bear you record (μαρτυρῶ γὰρ ὑμῖν); for I bear you witness; testify on your behalf; the phrase always denoting commendation (Romans 10:2; Colossians 4:13). Compare "Ye were running well," Galatians 5:3. The verb denotes a deliberate, almost solemn, averment. That, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me (ὅτι εἰ δυνατόν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὑμῶν ἐξορύξαντες ἐδώκατέ [Receptus, α}ν ἐδώκατε] μοι,); that, if possible, ye had spirted out your eyes to give them to me. The phrase, ἐξορύσσειν ὀφθαλμούς, occurs in the Septuagint of Judges 16:21 and 1 Samuel 11:2, Hebrew, "bore out the eyes." The omission of the ἄν, which is rejected by recent editors, perhaps intimates the certainty and readiness with which they would have done it; but the particle occurs very sparingly in the New Testament as compared with classical Greek. There seems something strange in the specification of this particular form of evidencing zealous attachment. If there had otherwise appeared any question of making gifts, the apostle might have been construed to mean, "Ye were ready to give me anything, your very eyes even;" but this is not the case. Possibly the particular mention of "the Churches of Galatia" in 1 Corinthians 16:1 may have been occasioned by their having shown an especial readiness, even at the apostle's second sojourn among them, to take part in the collection referred to; or by their having been the first Churches he came to in that particular tour, the directions which he gave to them being given also to all the Churches he went on to visit; but on this point see Introd. p. 16. The tone of Galatians 6:6-10 does not betoken especial open-handedness on their part, unless, perhaps, the words, "let us not grow weary," hint at a liberality once displayed but now declined from. On the whole, this specification of "eyes" seems rather to point to there having been something amiss with the apostle's own eyes, either from ophthalmia or as the effect of personal outrage perpetrated upon him. It is especially deserving of notice how the apostle, in the two clauses of this verse, links together their joy in their newly found Christian blessedness with their grateful love to himself; the latter fact is adduced as proof of the former. Their gospel happiness, he feels, was indissolubly woven in with their attachment to him: if they let go their joy in Christ Jesus, as, apart from any qualification to be acquired by observances of the Law of Moses, their all-sufficient righteousness, they must also of necessity become estranged from him, who was nothing if not the exponent and herald to them of that happiness. This consideration is of great moment for the right understanding of the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
What
ποῦ (pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

then [has become]
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

of your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

blessing?
μακαρισμὸς (makarismos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3108: Regarding as happy, blessed, or enviable. From makarizo; beatification, i.e. Attribution of good fortune.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I can testify
μαρτυρῶ (martyrō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

that,
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[it were] possible,
δυνατὸν (dynaton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.

you would have torn out
ἐξορύξαντες (exoryxantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1846: (a) I dig out, hence: I open up, (b) I gouge. From ek and orusso; to dig out, i.e. to extract, remove.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

eyes
ὀφθαλμοὺς (ophthalmous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.

[and] given [them]
ἐδώκατέ (edōkate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

to me.
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: Galatians 4:15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? (Gal. Ga)
Galatians 4:14
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