Keraia
Galatians 4

Galatians 4:19

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians · Galatians 4:8–20
Read Galatians 4

Translations

Modern
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
Traditional
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Literal
My children, of whom I travail again until that Christ shall have been formed in you,
Latin
Filioli mei, quos iterum parturio, donec formetur Christus in vobis:

Original

Greek
English
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

Notes

Galatians 4:19

  • The Galatians were like Paul's spiritual children (see 1 Corinthians 4:14–15; Philemon 1:10). Bringing them to Christ was like giving birth to children and experiencing labor pains. It was difficult but rewarding. Now, Paul felt his work was not finished.

  • until Christ is formed in you: Paul uses the picture of giving birth to explain something important. If the Galatians continued to trust in Christ as Paul had taught them, Christ's image would grow in them (they would become more and more like Jesus in how they lived and acted). But if they chose to follow the law instead, this new life would die before it could develop. Paul says he must keep working hard, like a midwife who helps with childbirth, to make sure this does not happen.

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)

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

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

Topics

Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul