Γαλάτης (Galatēs)
Galatēs
Galatian
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Galatēs identifies an inhabitant of the Roman province of Galatia in central Asia Minor. While classical Greek often used Keltēs for Celtic peoples, the New Testament employs this specific term to denote residents of that region, distinguishing them by their geographic and civic identity rather than just ethnic lineage.
This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia (Galatians 3:1). Here, it serves as a direct address to the recipients, grounding the theological argument in their specific communal reality. The term highlights that Paul is writing to a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile believers united under one provincial identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Galatēs simply means a resident of Galatia, but its use in Scripture reminds us that faith is lived out within real communities. Paul addresses these believers not as abstract concepts, but as specific people facing real struggles. This grounds our own spiritual journey in the reality that we are part of a local body, sharing both joys and challenges with others.
When Paul calls them "Foolish Galatians," he speaks with urgency because he cares deeply about their understanding of grace. It shows that God uses ordinary people to carry profound truth. Your identity in Christ connects you to this same story, inviting you to stand firm in the gospel amidst life's pressures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Galatians!1×
- Galatians1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Γαλάτας1×
- Γαλάται,1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 3:1
Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified?
This is the only verse where the word actually appears, serving as a direct, urgent address to the recipients of the letter.