Galatians 4:3

Translations

Modern

So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.

Traditional

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

Literal

So also we, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world.

Latin

…ita et nos cum essemus parvuli, sub elementis mundi eramus servientes.

Original

Greek

English

So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.

Notes

Galatians 4:3

Before Christ came, God's people were like young heirs to a large estate (4:1 –2). They would inherit a great fortune (see 4:5), but they were still under their guardian's care (3:23 –25).
The basic spiritual principles of this world likely refer to the laws that govern the world without Jesus. These principles were fully expressed in the law of Moses (3:23 –24; compare 4:5).

Galatians 4:1–3

A child who inherits an estate might get a large fortune. However, before reaching adulthood, the child must follow the rules of guardians and trustees until the time the father decides. In the same way, before Jesus came, God's people were under the guidance of the law of Moses (see 3:23 –24).

Galatians 4:1–7

Paul argues that the purpose of the law of Moses for God's children was fulfilled when Jesus came, so we are no longer bound by it.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God’s New Covenant

Related verses

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:20
If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations:
Galatians 4:9
But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Galatians 2:4
This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
Galatians 4:31–5:1
Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
Acts 15:10
Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
John 8:31
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Galatians 3:23–25
Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.
Hebrews 7:16
…one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.
Galatians 3:19
Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.

Glossary

Adoption Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Elemental Spirits, Elements Faith Inheritance Letter to the Galatians Peter, Second Letter of

Topics

Christian Liberty is Freedom From: Jewish Ordinances Christian Liberty: Conferred by Christ Fairy Tales Spiritual Bondage is to Sin

Galatians 4:3

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Translations

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Related verses

Glossary

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