Galatians 4:18

Translations

Modern

Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.

Traditional

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Literal

Now it is good to be zealous in a good thing, always and not only in my being present with you.

Latin

Bonum autem æmulamini in bono semper: et non tantum cum præsens sum apud vos.

Original

Greek

English

Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.

Notes

Galatians 4:18

It was good for the Galatians to continue eagerly embracing Paul and his message, even when he was not there with them.

Some English Bibles translate like this: If someone is eager to do good things for you, that’s all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you (New Living Translation). In this case, Paul might be saying that it was okay for others to seek the Galatians' loyalty, but those teachers were not truly trying to help them.

Galatians 4:12–20

After explaining what the Bible teaches, Paul takes a more personal approach. He reminds the Galatians of their close relationship with him.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,
Revelation 3:19
Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Psalm 119:139
My zeal has consumed me because my foes forget Your words.
Galatians 4:13
You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
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.
Psalm 69:9
…because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
John 2:17
His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”
Numbers 25:11–13
“Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites; for he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal.
Galatians 4:20
…how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.

Glossary

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

Topics

Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing

Galatians 4:18

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics