Paul ends this section with an expression of a desire to be with the Galatians at their moment of distress. How I wish I were with you now expresses Paul’s strong desire, at the same time indicating that at the moment the impossibility of its fulfillment. He does not say, however, why he cannot be with them. Such a strong desire or wish may be expressed in some languages as “I want very much to be with you now,” or “I desire with all my heart to be where you are now.”

If he were present, Paul could take a different attitude toward them (literally, “to change my tone,” Revised Standard Version). Several things should be noted. First, it is not that Paul regrets what he has just said, but the way he had to say it. Secondly, the wished-for change of attitude should be understood as from a severe to a gentle attitude, and not vice versa. Finally, the change has reference to the manner of speech which dominates his letter or which he had when he told them the truth (verse 16), and not to that in the immediately preceding verses, in which he has spoken with affection and tenderness. It is often rather difficult to speak of “taking a different attitude toward someone.” What is evidently uppermost in Paul’s mind is the possibility of showing by his speech his true feelings about the Galatians. The purpose of Paul’s desiring to be with them may in some cases be expressed as “so that I could show you by my speech how I really feel toward you.” “… by a change in my language how I feel toward you,” or “… by talking face to face with you….”

Finally, we can picture Paul, with a deep sigh, crying out I am so worried about you. The verb means “to be at a loss” or “to be disturbed,” meanings reflected in some translations (Phillips “I honestly don’t know how to deal with you”; Jerusalem Bible “I have no idea what to do for the best”; New American Bible “you have me at a complete loss!”; New English Bible “I am at my wits’ end about you”; Knox “I am bewildered at you”). It is not the same verb which Good News Translation translates “to be worried” in verse 11, where Paul’s worry is characterized by fear. Here it is perhaps characterized by his feeling of doubt or helplessness.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .