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16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?[a]

17 They court you eagerly,[b] but for no good purpose;[c] they want to exclude you, so that you would seek them eagerly.[d] 18 However, it is good[e] to be sought eagerly[f] for a good purpose[g] at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 4:16 tn Or “have I become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?” The participle ἀληθεύων (alētheuōn) can be translated as a causal adverbial participle or as a participle of means (as in the translation).
  2. Galatians 4:17 tn Or “They are zealous for you.”
  3. Galatians 4:17 tn Or “but not commendably” (BDAG 505 s.v. καλῶς 2).
  4. Galatians 4:17 tn Or “so that you would be zealous.”
  5. Galatians 4:18 tn Or “commendable.”
  6. Galatians 4:18 tn Or “to be zealous.”
  7. Galatians 4:18 tn Grk “But it is always good to be zealous in good.”

16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?(A)

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.(B) 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.(C)

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