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Galatians 4

BSB·31 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1What I am saying is that as long asἐφ’eph’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → heirκληρονόμοςklēronomos — one who inherits; an heirG2818 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a childνήπιόςnēpios — infant, small child, or one who is spiritually immatureG3516 — Full Word Study →, he is no differentδιαφέρειdiapherei — to surpass, spread abroad, or be superiorG1308 — Full Word Study → from a slaveδούλουdoulou — Slave; servant in bondage or serviceG1401 — Full Word Study →, although he is the ownerκύριοςkyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → of everythingπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →. 2He isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → subject toὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → guardiansἐπιτρόπουςepitropous — manager, guardian, or caretakerG2012 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → trusteesοἰκονόμουςoikonomous — Household manager; steward; one entrusted with administrationG3623 — Full Word Study → untilἄχριachri — Until, up to, as far asG891 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → date setπροθεσμίαςprothesmias — appointed time, set deadlineG4287 — Full Word Study → by his fatherπατρόςpatros — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →. 3Soοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →, whenὅτεhote — when, at the time thatG3753 — Full Word Study → we wereἦμενēmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → childrenνήπιοιnēpioi — infant, small child, or one who is spiritually immatureG3516 — Full Word Study →, weἡμεῖςhēmeis — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → wereἤμεθαēmetha — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → enslavedδεδουλωμένοιdedoulōmenoi — To enslave or bring into bondageG1402 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → basic principlesστοιχεῖαstoicheia — foundational principles, elemental rudimentsG4747 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study →. 4Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → whenὍτεHote — when, at the time thatG3753 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → timeχρόνουchronou — A period of time; duration or seasonG5550 — Full Word Study → had fully comeἦλθενēlthen — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → sentἐξαπέστειλενexapesteilen — To send out or dispatch with official authorityG1821 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱὸνHuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →, bornγενόμενονgenomenon — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → ofἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → a womanγυναικόςgynaikos — woman; wife; female personG1135 — Full Word Study →, bornγενόμενονgenomenon — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law, 5to redeemἐξαγοράσῃexagorasē — To buy back; to redeem by paymentG1805 — Full Word Study → thoseτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → the law, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → we might receiveἀπολάβωμενapolabōmen — To receive back, recover, or get in returnG618 — Full Word Study → our adoption as sonsυἱοθεσίανhuiothesian — legal adoption into a family or householdG5206 — Full Word Study →. 6Andδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → becauseὍτιHoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → sonsυἱοίhuioi — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → sentἐξαπέστειλενexapesteilen — To send out or dispatch with official authorityG1821 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → ofτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SonΥἱοῦHuiou — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study →, crying outκρᾶζονkrazon — to cry out, shout, or call loudlyG2896 — Full Word Study →, “AbbaἈββᾶAbba — Father (Aramaic)G5 — Full Word Study →, FatherΠατήρPatēr — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →!” 7Soὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → you areεἶei — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → no longerοὐκέτιouketi — No longer, not anymoreG3765 — Full Word Study → a slaveδοῦλοςdoulos — Slave; servant in bondage or serviceG1401 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → a sonυἱόςhuios — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →; andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → since you are a sonυἱόςhuios — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →, you are also an heirκληρονόμοςklēronomos — one who inherits; an heirG2818 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 8Formerlyτότεtote — at that time, then, thereuponG5119 — Full Word Study →, when you did not knowεἰδότεςeidotes — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, you were slavesἐδουλεύσατεedouleusate — to serve as a slave; to be in bondageG1398 — Full Word Study → to those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → by natureφύσειphysei — Essential character or natural dispositionG5449 — Full Word Study → areοὖσινousin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → godsθεοῖςtheois — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 9Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → now thatνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → you knowγνόντεςgnontes — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόνTheon — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, or ratherμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → are knownγνωσθέντεςgnōsthentes — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, how is it that you are turningἐπιστρέφετεepistrephete — to turn around, return, or convertG1994 — Full Word Study → backπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study → toἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → thoseτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → weakἀσθενῆasthenē — Weak, feeble, lacking strength or powerG772 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → worthlessπτωχὰptōcha — Poor, destitute, needy personG4434 — Full Word Study → principlesστοιχεῖαstoicheia — foundational principles, elemental rudimentsG4747 — Full Word Study →? Do you wishθέλετεthelete — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to be enslavedδουλεύειν*douleuein — to serve as a slave; to be in bondageG1398 — Full Word Study → by them all overἄνωθενanōthen — from above; again; from the beginningG509 — Full Word Study → againπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study →? 10You are observingπαρατηρεῖσθεparatēreisthe — To watch carefully, observe closely, or scrutinizeG3906 — Full Word Study → special days andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → monthsμῆναςmēnas — a month; a lunar period of timeG3376 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → seasonsκαιροὺςkairous — The right or appointed time; a season or opportunityG2540 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → yearsἐνιαυτούςeniautous — a period of one year; annual cycleG1763 — Full Word Study →! 11I fearφοβοῦμαιphoboumai — to fear, be afraid; to reverence, respectG5399 — Full Word Study → for youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, that my effortsκεκοπίακαkekopiaka — to labor, toil, or work hard; to exert oneselfG2872 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → may have beenπωςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → in vainεἰκῇeikē — in vain, without effect, purposelesslyG1500 — Full Word Study →. 12I begδέομαιdeomai — to ask, request, or beseech earnestlyG1189 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, becomeΓίνεσθεGinesthe — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → likeὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → meἐγώegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → I becameκἀγὼkagō — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study → likeὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. You have done me no wrongἠδικήσατεēdikēsate — to act unjustly; to wrong or harmG91 — Full Word Study →. 13You knowΟἴδατεOidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → it was because ofδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → an illnessἀσθένειανastheneian — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study → that I first preached the gospel to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 14Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → although myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → illness was a trial to youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, you did not despiseἐξουθενήσατεexouthenēsate — to despise, treat with contempt, reject as worthlessG1848 — Full Word Study → or reject me. Insteadἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, you welcomedἐδέξασθέedexasthe — to receive or accept willinglyG1209 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → as if I were an angelἄγγελονangelon — Messenger; divine or heavenly envoyG32 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, as if I were ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → Jesus Himself. 15Whatποῦpou — where? (interrogative adverb of place)G4226 — Full Word Study → then has become of yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → blessingμακαρισμὸςmakarismos — Blessedness, the state of being blessedG3108 — Full Word Study →? Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I can testifyμαρτυρῶmartyrō — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study →, ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → it were possible, you would have torn outἐξορύξαντεςexoryxantes — to dig out, break through, pluck outG1846 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → eyesὀφθαλμοὺςophthalmous — Eye; sight; vision; spiritual perceptionG3788 — Full Word Study → and given them to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 16Have I now becomeγέγοναgegona — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → enemyἐχθρὸςechthros — adversary; one who opposes or harbors hostilityG2190 — Full Word Study → by telling you the truth? 17Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good wayκαλῶςkalōs — well, rightly, properlyG2573 — Full Word Study →. Insteadἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, they wantθέλουσινthelousin — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to isolateἐκκλεῖσαιekkleisai — to shut out, exclude, or bar from entranceG1576 — Full Word Study → you from us, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you may be zealousζηλοῦτεzēloute — to be zealous, earnestly desire, envyG2206 — Full Word Study → for themαὐτοὺςautous — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 18Neverthelessδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, it is good to be zealousζηλοῦσθαιzēlousthai — to be zealous, earnestly desire, envyG2206 — Full Word Study → if it servesἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → a noble purpose—at any timeπάντοτεpantote — at all times, always, continuallyG3842 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → onlyμόνονmonon — only, alone, solelyG3440 — Full Word Study → whenἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → I amμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 19Myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → childrenΤέκναTekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study →, for whomοὓςhous — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → I am againπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study → in the pains of childbirthὠδίνωōdinō — to suffer labor pains; to be in travailG5605 — Full Word Study → untilμέχριςmechris — until, up to the point thatG3360 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → is formedμορφωθῇmorphōthē — to form, shape, or mold into a specific imageG3445 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, 20how I wishἤθελονēthelon — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → I could beπαρεῖναιpareinai — To be present, to be here, to arriveG3918 — Full Word Study → withπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → nowἄρτιarti — now, at this present momentG737 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → changeἀλλάξαιallaxai — To exchange, transform, or alter something completelyG236 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → toneφωνήνphōnēn — voice, sound, or audible utteranceG5456 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → I am perplexedἀποροῦμαιaporoumai — to be utterly perplexed or at a lossG639 — Full Word Study → aboutἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 21TellΛέγετέLegete — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, you who wantθέλοντεςthelontes — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to beεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → law, do you not understand what the law says? 22Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → it is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → AbrahamἈβραὰμAbraam — Father of nationsG11 — Full Word Study → hadἔσχενeschen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → twoδύοdyo — the number two; a pairG1417 — Full Word Study → sonsυἱοὺςhuious — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →, oneἕναhena — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → slave womanπαιδίσκηςpaidiskēs — A young female servant or maidservantG3814 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the other byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → free woman. 23His son byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → slave womanπαιδίσκηςpaidiskēs — A young female servant or maidservantG3814 — Full Word Study → was bornγεγέννηταιgegennētai — to beget, bring forth, give birthG1080 — Full Word Study → according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → the flesh, but his son byἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → free woman was born through the〈τῆς〉tēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίαςepangelias — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study →. 24These things serve as illustrationsἀλληγορούμεναallēgoroumena — to speak or interpret allegoricallyG238 — Full Word Study →, forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → the women representεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → twoδύοdyo — the number two; a pairG1417 — Full Word Study → covenantsδιαθῆκαιdiathēkai — Covenant; binding agreement or testamentG1242 — Full Word Study →. One covenant is from Mountὄρουςorous — a high hill or mountainG3735 — Full Word Study → SinaiΣινᾶSina — Mount Sinai, the sacred mountain of God's lawG4614 — Full Word Study → and bears children intoεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → slaveryδουλείανdouleian — slavery, bondage, servitudeG1397 — Full Word Study →: Thisἥτιςhētis — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → HagarἉγάρHagar — Flight, wanderingG28 — Full Word Study →. 25Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → HagarἉγὰρHagar — Flight, wanderingG28 — Full Word Study → stands forἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → Mountὄροςoros — a high hill or mountainG3735 — Full Word Study → SinaiΣινᾶSina — Mount Sinai, the sacred mountain of God's lawG4614 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ArabiaἈραβίᾳArabia — Desert region southeast of JudeaG688 — Full Word Study → andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → correspondsσυστοιχεῖsystoichei — to align with, correspond to, answer toG4960 — Full Word Study → to theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → present-dayνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → JerusalemἸερουσαλήμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study →, becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → she is in slaveryδουλεύειdouleuei — to serve as a slave; to be in bondageG1398 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκνωνteknōn — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study →. 26Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → JerusalemἸερουσαλὴμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study → aboveἄνωanō — upward; above; higherG507 — Full Word Study → isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → freeἐλευθέραeleuthera — Free; released from bondage or constraintG1658 — Full Word Study →, and she isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → motherμήτηρmētēr — mother; female parentG3384 — Full Word Study →. 27Forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → it is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study →: “RejoiceΕὐφράνθητιEuphranthēti — to make merry, rejoice, celebrateG2165 — Full Word Study →, O barren woman, whohē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bears no childrenτίκτουσαtiktousa — To give birth; to bear or bring forthG5088 — Full Word Study →; break forthῥῆξονrhēxon — to break violently, burst forth, tear apartG4486 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → cry aloudβόησονboēson — to cry out, shout, or call loudlyG994 — Full Word Study →, you who have never travailedὠδίνουσαōdinousa — to suffer labor pains; to be in travailG5605 — Full Word Study →; becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → moreμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → are the childrenτέκναtekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → desolate womanἐρήμουerēmou — wilderness, deserted place, desolate regionG2048 — Full Word Study → thanē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → of her whoτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → hasἐχούσηςechousēs — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → a husbandἄνδραandra — Adult male, man, or husbandG435 — Full Word Study →.” 28Nowδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὙμεῖςHymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, likeκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → IsaacἸσαὰκIsaak — He laughs; laughterG2464 — Full Word Study →, areἐστέeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκναtekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → of promiseἐπαγγελίαςepangelias — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study →. 29At that timeτότεtote — at that time, then, thereuponG5119 — Full Word Study →, howeverἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, the son bornγεννηθεὶςgennētheis — to beget, bring forth, give birthG1080 — Full Word Study → byκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → the flesh persecutedἐδίωκενediōken — To pursue, persecute, or press forwardG1377 — Full Word Study → the son born byκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → the Spirit. It is the same nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →. 30ButἈλλὰAlla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → whatτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → does the Scriptureγραφήgraphē — Writing, scripture, sacred textG1124 — Full Word Study → sayλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →? “ExpelἜκβαλεEkbale — To cast out, drive out, expel forcefullyG1544 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → slave womanπαιδίσκηνpaidiskēn — A young female servant or maidservantG3814 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → sonυἱὸνhuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → slave woman’sπαιδίσκηςpaidiskēs — A young female servant or maidservantG3814 — Full Word Study → sonυἱὸςhuios — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → will never share in the inheritanceκληρονομήσειklēronomēsei — to inherit; to receive as an heirG2816 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → free woman’s sonυἱοῦhuiou — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study →.” 31Thereforeδιόdio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study →, brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, we areἐσμὲνesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκναtekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → of the slave woman, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → free woman.
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Chapter Commentary — Galatians 4
Chapter Overview

Overview

Galatians 4 presents one of Scripture's most powerful arguments for Christian freedom and the sufficiency of Christ. Paul uses the illustration of an heir coming of age to explain how believers have moved from spiritual childhood under the law to mature sonship in Christ. The chapter then addresses the Galatian churches' dangerous drift back toward legalism—a return to spiritual bondage—and concludes with an allegory showing the fundamental difference between the old covenant of works and the new covenant of grace. Throughout, Paul's passionate concern is that his spiritual children remain rooted in the gospel of grace rather than enslaved by human rules.

Verses 1–5: From Servitude to Sonship

Paul opens with a simple analogy: a child who will one day inherit everything is practically indistinguishable from a servant while young—both obey guardians and tutors until maturity. Similarly, believers under the Old Testament law were in spiritual childhood, held under the elements of the world (v. 3)—basic, elementary principles that prepared God's people for Christ's coming. But when God's perfect timing arrived, He sent His Son, born of a woman and subject to the law, to accomplish what the law could never do: redeem those under the law (v. 4). The goal was glorious: that we might receive adoption as sons (v. 5). This adoption was not earning sonship through works, but receiving it as a gift through Christ's redemptive work. The law was a tutor pointing us toward Christ; now that He has come, we have graduated into the full rights and privileges of adult children in God's family.

Verses 6–7: The Spirit's Witness and Our Identity

Because we are now God's sons, He has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (v. 6). Notice the remarkable intimacy: the Spirit cries Abba, Father—the Aramaic word a child would use for "daddy," expressing both reverence and tender closeness. This is not servile fear, but loving confidence. Therefore, we are no more a servant, but a son (v. 7), and heirs of God's promises through Christ. This is the believer's true identity and inheritance. We possess security, access, and a relationship of love with the Father that no amount of rule-keeping could ever purchase.

Verses 8–11: The Tragic Return to Bondage

Paul now grieves over the Galatians' defection. Before they knew Christ, they served idols—things which by nature are no gods (v. 8). But now, inexplicably, they are returning to the same spirit of bondage by observing Jewish legal days and seasons (v. 10). This represents a catastrophic spiritual regression. Paul's tone becomes intensely pastoral: I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain (v. 11). His concern is not pride but genuine fatherly anxiety for their souls. To abandon grace for legalism is to nullify the gospel and grieve the Holy Spirit.

Verses 12–20: Paul's Tender Appeal

Paul appeals to the Galatians' earlier love. He preached the gospel to them in physical weakness (v. 13), yet they received him as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus (v. 14). Their early devotion was so genuine they would have sacrificed anything for him (v. 15). Now he asks: have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? (v. 16). False teachers zealously court them, but with wrong motives—to separate them from Paul and make them dependent on themselves (v. 17). Paul's anguish peaks in verse 19: My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you—expressing the deep labor required to help them return to Christ-centered faith.

Verses 21–31: The Allegory of Two Covenants

Paul uses Abraham's two sons as an allegory (v. 24). Ishmael, born of the bondwoman Hagar, represents the old covenant—born of human effort and works, producing bondage. Isaac, born of the free woman Sarah by promise, represents the new covenant of grace. The heavenly Jerusalem is free and fruitful (vv. 26–27); we believers are her children, born of promise, not performance (v. 28). Just as Ishmael was cast out, so legalism has no place in the believer's life. We belong to the covenant of freedom in Christ.

Application for Today

Are you tempted to add rules, rituals, or works to your faith in Christ? Galatians 4 calls us back to the joy of sonship, the witness of the Spirit, and confidence in Christ's finished work. Like the Galatians, we can subtly drift toward earning God's favor through performance. Today, rest in your identity as God's adopted child, cry out Abba, Father with confidence, and reject any gospel that enslaves rather than liberates.

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