Galatians 4
1Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.23Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.45In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world.67When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,89to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.1011And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”1213So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.14
23I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me;2425you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh.2627You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.28
29Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.3031So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?3233They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them.3435But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner — and not just when I am with you.3637My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.3839I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.40
55Now you too, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.5657But just as then the child born as a result of the flesh persecuted the one born as a result of the Spirit, so also now.5859But what does the Scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.”6061Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave but of the free woman.62
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
15But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.1617But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?1819You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.2021I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.2223I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me;2425you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh.2627You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.28
29Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.3031So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?3233They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them.3435But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner — and not just when I am with you.3637My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.3839I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.40
Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants
41Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law?4243For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman.4445But the one by the slave was born as a result of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born through promise.4647These things are being taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery — this is Hagar.4849Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.5051But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.5253For it is written, Rejoice, childless woman, unable to give birth. Burst into song and shout, you who are not in labor, for the children of the desolate woman will be many, more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.5455Now you too, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.5657But just as then the child born as a result of the flesh persecuted the one born as a result of the Spirit, so also now.5859But what does the Scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.”6061Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave but of the free woman.62