Galatians 4:1-11

Holman Christian Standard Bible

4 ¹ Now I say that as long as the heir^(A) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(B) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces^[a] of the world.^{(C) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent His Son,^(D) born of a woman,^(E) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(F) 6} And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son^(G) into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba,^(H) Father!”^{(I) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(J) but a son,^(K) and if a son, then an heir^(L) through God.

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, when you didn’t know God,^(M) you were enslaved to things^[c] that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,^(N) or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt^(O) elemental forces?^(P) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(Q) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.