Paul begins this section by calling attention to (1) the fact that he is doing the writing himself and (2) his large handwriting.

There is no unanimity of opinion as to what parts of the letter are written by Paul and what parts by a scribe. Some scholars believe the whole letter was written by Paul and that the big letters are a form of emphasis, similar to the modern practice of italicizing or underscoring.

In view of the fact, however, that it was apparently Paul’s practice to employ a scribe (for example, Rom 16.22), it seems better to assume that it is only at this point in the letter that Paul picks up the pen. This seems to be a regular part of Paul’s letters, as can be deduced from its presence in other letters (2 Thes 3.17; 1 Cor 16.21; Col 4.18). The purpose is apparently to authenticate the letter as genuine. This position is made clear in some translations, including Good News Translation (Jerusalem Bible “Take good note of what I am adding in my own handwriting”; New English Bible “You see these big letters? I am now writing to you in my own hand”).

As to the purpose of the big letters, there is a variety of opinion. As already noted, this may be a form of emphasis, calling attention to the important points which are about to be made. Or it may be a deliberate attempt on Paul’s part to distinguish his own handwriting from that of his scribe. A third possibility is that Paul’s handwriting is simply awkward in comparison with the experienced handwriting of the scribe, in which case the statement contains the element of an apology. The last of these explanations is attractive, but the word for big simply denotes size and not irregularity or ugliness. All things considered, the first possibility is probably the closest to Paul’s intention.

In view of the fact that those who were to receive the letter were not personally present when Paul was writing, it may be better to employ an expression such as “You can see what big letters I make” rather than the direct imperative See what big letters.

As I write to you now with my own hand may be best expressed in some languages as “as I myself am now writing to you,” or “… am now using the pen.”

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 .