Galatians 4:9
“But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?”
Galatians 4:9 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
- DRADouay–Rheims
- But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known by God: how turn you again to the weak and needy elements, which you desire to serve again?
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
- DARBYDarby
- but now, knowing God, but rather being known by God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly principles to which ye desire to be again anew in bondage?
- WEBThe World English Bible
- But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- and now, having known God ; and rather being known by God ; how turn ye again unto the weak and poor elements to which anew ye desire to be in servitude?
- BPVBiblePics Version
- But now that you have come to know God, or rather are known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless principles, desiring to be enslaved to them once more?
Context: Galatians 4
7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
About Galatians 4: Adoption as Sons
Paul contrasts the difference between slavery to the law and adoption as sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He encourages the Galatians to embrace their freedom in Christ.
Commentary
Galatians 4 is a powerful chapter that speaks to the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Paul is addressing the Galatians, who have been led astray by false teachers who are trying to convince them to follow the law of Moses. Paul is reminding them that they are no longer under the law, but are now under grace. He is reminding them that they are children of God, and that they have been adopted into His family.