Galatians 4

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 4 of 6

1 But I say, Over so long as time the heir is a little child, he being lord of all, in nothing he differs from a slave,

2 but is under guardians and housemasters until the term set before by the father.

3 So we also, when we were little children, we were under the elements of the world, being enslaved.

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Chapter Summary

1 We were under the law till Christ came. 5 But Christ freed us from the law. 7 Therefore we are servants no longer to it.

Key Greek Words

υἱοθεσία adoption of sons G5206
ἐξαγοράζω to redeem G1805
κληρονόμος heir G2818
δοῦλος slave G1401
ἐλεύθερος free G1658
διαθήκη covenant G1242

People & Context

Paul

The apostle who fears for the Galatians and travails again until Christ is formed in them.

Galatians

The believers who, once sons and heirs, turn back to the weak elements and observing days and seasons.

God

The Father who sent forth His Son and the Spirit of His Son into believers' hearts, crying Abba.

Abraham

The patriarch who had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman.

Hagar

The slave woman, allegorized as Mount Sinai and the present Jerusalem in bondage with her children.

Isaac

The son born through the promise; believers are children of promise according to Isaac.

Timeline

Adoption as Sons

In the fullness of the time, God sent His Son to redeem those under the Law. Believers receive the Spirit of His Son, allowing them to cry 'Abba! Father!' and become heirs.

Galatians 4:1-11
Personal Appeal

Paul reminds the Galatians of their deep affection for him during his past physical affliction. He expresses his distress, travailing until Christ is formed in them.

Galatians 4:12-20
Allegory of Hagar and Sarah

Paul uses Abraham's two sons to allegorize two covenants: Hagar represents Mount Sinai and slavery, while the free woman represents the 'Jerusalem from above' and freedom.

Galatians 4:21-31

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