Galatians 4:4-9
New Living Translation
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.[a] 6 And because we[b] are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”[c] 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.[d] And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. 9 So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?
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Galatians 4:4-9
New International Version
4 But when the set time had fully come,(A) God sent his Son,(B) born of a woman,(C) born under the law,(D) 5 to redeem(E) those under the law, that we might receive adoption(F) to sonship.[a](G) 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son(H) into our hearts,(I) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[b] Father.”(J) 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.(K)
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God,(L) you were slaves(M) to those who by nature are not gods.(N) 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(O)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[c]? Do you wish to be enslaved(P) by them all over again?(Q)
Footnotes
- Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
- Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
- Galatians 4:9 Or principles
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