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Galatians 4

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

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

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

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

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?

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

What does Galatians 4:6 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 4:6 is a verse from the New Testament that speaks to the intimate relationship between God and believers.

It emphasizes the idea that those who have faith in Jesus Christ are not merely servants but are adopted as children of God.

Through this adoption, they receive the Holy Spirit, which enables them to call out to God as "Abba, Father," reflecting a close, personal connection akin to that of a child calling out to a parent.

"Abba" is an Aramaic term that means "father," and it conveys warmth, intimacy, and trust.

Thus, the verse highlights the transformation in the believer's identity and the assurance of God's love and acceptance.

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Galatians 4:6 is found in the letter of Paul to the Galatians, which is one of the books in the New Testament.

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey, during the first century AD.

At the time, the early Christian communities were grappling with questions about Jewish law and its place in the life of Gentile (non-Jewish) converts.

Paul's letter addresses these issues, arguing that faith in Christ, not adherence to the Jewish law, is the path to salvation.

The context of the verse is Paul's argument that, through faith in Christ, believers become children of God and are thus free from the bondage of the law.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Galatians 4:6 touches upon several key doctrines:

The Doctrine of Adoption: This verse underscores the Christian belief that believers are not merely converts but are adopted into God’s family.

This adoption is a spiritual reality made possible through Jesus Christ.

The Work of the Holy Spirit: The text points to the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, as one who enables the inner experience of God's fatherhood.
The Assurance of Salvation: The ability to call God "Abba, Father" signifies a secure relationship with God, affirming the assurance of salvation for believers.

Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects of these doctrines depending on their theological orientations.

Practical Applications

Galatians 4:6 can be applied in multiple aspects of a Christian's daily life:

Prayer: The term "Abba, Father" can invite a more intimate and trusting approach to prayer, where one can freely express their thoughts and feelings to God.
Identity: Understanding oneself as God’s child can provide a sense of worth and purpose, impacting how one interacts with others and faces life's challenges.
Freedom from Legalism: This verse retells believers that salvation is not earned by the law but received as a gift of grace, thus relieving the pressure to perform for God's acceptance.

Cross-References

Romans 8:15: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
Ephesians 1:5: "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

Language Study

The key terms in Galatians 4:6 in the original language (Greek) warrant close examination:

"Sons" (υἱοί, huios): Typically denotes male offspring but is used more broadly to represent children of both genders in God's family.
"Sent forth" (ἐξαπέστειλεν, exapesteilen): This verb implies being dispatched or released with a purpose, signifying intentionality in God's action.
"Spirit of his Son" (πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ, pneuma tou huiou): Refers to the Holy Spirit, associated here specifically with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
"Abba": An Aramaic term for father used by Jesus Himself, expressing a familiar and endearing relationship with God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of God as father may have parallels in other ancient religions, where deities were sometimes referred to as parents to their worshippers.

However, the Christian notion of divine adoption, as seen in Galatians 4:6, is quite distinct in its personal and relational emphasis.

In other religious contexts, the term "father" might manifest as a more distant or authoritarian figure, whereas "Abba" in Christianity exemplifies closeness and affection.

Scientific Perspectives

While Galatians 4:6 is a theological statement rather than a scientific one, contemporary understanding of psychology might explore the impact of perceiving a divine figure as a loving parent on an individual’s mental health and behavior.

The sense of being loved and accepted as God's child could have positive implications for personal wellbeing and social interactions.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Galatians 4:6:

Martin Luther emphasized the assurance of faith that comes from the Spirit of adoption.
John Stott discusses the transition from slavery under the law to the freedom and intimacy of being God’s children.
N.T.

Wright considers how Paul uses "Abba, Father" to show that the believers' new identity transcends the cultural divisions of the time.

J.B.

Lightfoot notes the significance of the Spirit in enabling believers to recognize and affirm their relationship with God as Father.

Galatians 4

Galatians 4

What does Galatians 4:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Galatians 4:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?