Galatians 4:8

Translations

Modern

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

Traditional

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

Literal

But then, indeed, not knowing God, you were in slavery to those by nature not being gods.

Latin

Sed tunc quidem ignorantes Deum, iis, qui natura non sunt dii, serviebatis.

Original

Greek

English

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

Notes

Galatians 4:8

Before they became Christians, the non-Jewish Galatians worshiped false gods. They worshiped natural things like the sun, moon, and seasons (see Romans 1:25). They lived like slaves to these false gods, constantly afraid they would make them angry (1 Corinthians 8:5 –6).

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 Corinthians 8:4
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.
1 Thessalonians 4:5
…not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;
1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
Ephesians 2:11–12
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—
2 Thessalonians 1:8
…in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2 Chronicles 13:9
But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods.
1 Peter 4:3
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Isaiah 37:19
They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands.
1 Corinthians 10:19–20
Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?
Jeremiah 10:25
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, and on the families that do not call on Your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have consumed him and finished him off; they have devastated his homeland.
Isaiah 44:9–20
All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.

Glossary

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

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Idolatry: Folly of Idolatry: Objects of Described as No Gods Ignorance of God: Gentiles

Galatians 4:8

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Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics