Galatians 4:11

Translations

Modern

I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.

Traditional

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Literal

I fear for you, lest somehow I have toiled for you in vain.

Latin

Timeo vos, ne forte sine causa laboraverim in vobis.

Original

Greek

English

I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.

Notes

Galatians 4:11

I fear for you: The Galatians were in danger of turning away from Christ by depending on the law. If they did, Paul's efforts would have been wasted. The good news would not benefit them (compare Hebrews 6:4 –6; 2 Peter 2:20 –22). See Acts 13:44–14:24 for a description of Paul's work for the Christians in that region.

Galatians 4:10–11

Circumcision was just one way the Galatians tried to follow the law of Moses. They also started celebrating Jewish festivals. They believed this would make them more acceptable to God. To Paul, this showed they misunderstood or rejected the good news of God's grace through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 4:8–11

Paul reminds the Galatians of their past pagan beliefs. He argues that following circumcision and the law is like returning to the same kind of slavery they experienced before they knew God.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.
Philippians 2:16
…as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
2 John 1:8
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
Acts 16:6
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
Galatians 4:20
…how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.
Isaiah 49:4
But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
2 Corinthians 12:20–21
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
2 Corinthians 11:2–3
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Galatians 5:2–4
Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Faith Letter to the Galatians Peter, Second Letter of Sabbath

Topics

Backsliders: Galatians Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Instability: General Scriptures Concerning Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation

Galatians 4:11

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