Paul's Personal Appeal and Warning
Galatians 4:8-20
Gal.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αλλα: CONJ
- τοτε: ADV
- μεν: PART
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ειδοτες: PTCP,perf,act,nom,pl,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εδουλευσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- φυσει: ADV
- μη: PART
- ουσι: PART,pres,act,dat,pl,m
- θεοις·: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 17:23 (thematic): Paul addresses Athenians about their ignorance and worship of an 'unknown god'—like Galatians, it critiques serving objects/ideas that are not the true God.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (verbal): Affirms that 'an idol is nothing' and 'there is no God but one,' echoing Gal.4:8's claim that those served are not truly gods.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (allusion): OT denunciation of idols as silver and gold that cannot speak or act—parallels Galatians' assertion that what was served 'by nature are not gods.'
- Romans 1:21-23 (thematic): Describes people exchanging the glory of the immortal God for images and serving created things rather than the Creator—a thematic parallel to serving 'not gods.'
- Jeremiah 2:11-13 (allusion): Condemns Israel for exchanging God for worthless idols and sources, similar to Galatians' critique of turning from the true God to what 'are not gods.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those who by nature are not gods.
- Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods.
Gal.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- νυν: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- γνοντες: PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μαλλον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- γνωσθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- υπο: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πως: ADV
- επιστρεφετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- παλιν: ADV
- επι: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ασθενη: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- πτωχα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- στοιχεια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- παλιν: ADV
- ανωθεν: ADV
- δουλευειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- θελετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Galatians 4:8 (verbal): Immediate chapter parallel: contrasts former ignorance/slavery to false powers with now knowing God—same contrast between past bondage and present knowledge.
- Galatians 4:3 (verbal): Uses the same key term στοιχεῖα (elements/elemental things) and the motif of being in bondage to those elements.
- Galatians 3:3 (thematic): Rebukes believers who begin by the Spirit but seek completion by the flesh/works—same concern about reverting to former, inadequate means after receiving God.
- Colossians 2:20-23 (verbal): Paulic parallel warning against submitting again to the στοιχεῖα/elemental principles and human regulations after dying with Christ—same language and theme of return to bondage.
- 2 Peter 2:20-22 (thematic): Warns that those who escape defilement by knowing Christ but become entangled again are worse off—similar theme of having known God and then reverting to former enslavement.
Alternative generated candidates
- 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 elemental principles of the world, to which you wish again to be enslaved?
- But now that you have come to know God—or rather, that God has come to know you—how can you turn again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you wish to be once more?
Gal.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- παρατηρεισθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- μηνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- καιρους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ενιαυτους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Colossians 2:16-17 (verbal): Uses very similar language about judgment concerning food, drink, festivals, new moons, and sabbaths; explicitly argues that such calendar observances are shadowy and not binding, paralleling Paul's critique in Galatians.
- Romans 14:5-6 (thematic): Addresses differing attitudes toward observing special days (one esteems one day above another), stressing liberty and conscience rather than binding obligation—thematically related to Paul's rejection of compulsory observance of days.
- Leviticus 23:2-4 (allusion): Gives the law's list of the LORD's appointed festivals (moadim) and their calendrical rhythm—the Jewish background for the 'days, months, seasons, and years' Paul refers to.
- Galatians 4:9 (structural): Immediate context: Paul links observing these calendar practices to returning to 'weak and beggarly elements' and to enslavement, explaining why he rebukes the Galatians for observing days.
Alternative generated candidates
- You observe days and months and seasons and years.
- You observe days and months and seasons and years.
Gal.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- φοβουμαι: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- εικη: ADV
- κεκοπιακα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Galatians 4:20 (structural): Same immediate context—Paul expresses deep personal concern for the Galatians and a desire to change his tone because of his distress about their condition.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 (thematic): Paul similarly voices fear about the state of a church when he comes, fearing strife, sin, and that his previous efforts might have been wasted.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 (thematic): Paul’s anxiety for a congregation’s perseverance prompts him to send Timothy; both passages show Paul’s pastoral fear that his work or the believers’ faith might prove ineffective.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 (verbal): Uses the closely related concept/phrase about labor being ‘not in vain’—here Paul urges believers that their labor in the Lord is not to be in vain, echoing the concern in Gal. 4:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am afraid for you: I may have labored among you in vain.
- I am afraid I may have labored for you in vain.
Gal.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- ως: ADV
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- οτι: CONJ
- καγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,1
- ως: ADV
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δεομαι: VERB,pres,mid/dep,ind,1,sg
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ηδικησατε·: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 (verbal): Paul explicitly describes adapting his behavior to different groups—'I became as a Jew... I have become all things to all men'—paralleling Gal. 4:12's 'I became as you are.'
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (verbal): 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ' echoes the appeal in Gal. 4:12 ('Become as I am'), both urging the audience to follow Paul's example.
- Philippians 3:17 (thematic): Paul calls believers to 'join in following my example' and to observe those who live according to the pattern he commends—similar thematic appeal to imitation found in Gal. 4:12.
- Galatians 4:15 (thematic): Earlier in the chapter Paul recalls their former affection—'you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me'—which relates to his present appeal and to the claim in v.12 that 'you did me no wrong.'
- Galatians 4:16 (structural): The immediately following rhetorical question ('Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth?') connects structurally and thematically to v.12's plea and to the assertion that the Galatians have 'done me no wrong.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am; for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.
- Brothers, I entreat you: become as I am. For I also have become as you. You did me no wrong.
Gal.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- δι᾽ασθενειαν: PREP,acc
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σαρκος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ευηγγελισαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- προτερον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Galatians 4:14 (structural): Immediate continuation — Paul expands the same thought, describing how his bodily illness affected their reception and their willingness to minister to him (direct continuation of context).
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 (thematic): Paul again reports that he proclaimed the gospel 'in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,' paralleling the theme of preaching despite physical or emotional frailty.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (thematic): Paul's account of a persistent 'thorn in the flesh' and the teaching that 'when I am weak, then I am strong' parallels the motif of bodily weakness accompanying and shaping his ministry.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10 (verbal): Opponents disparage Paul's personal presence and bodily impressiveness ('in person he is unimpressive'), reflecting the same concern with how physical condition influences reception of his apostolic message.
Alternative generated candidates
- You know it was because of a bodily infirmity that I preached the gospel to you at first.
- You know that it was because of a bodily infirmity that I first preached the gospel to you.
Gal.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πειρασμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εξουθενησατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- ουδε: CONJ,neg
- εξεπτυσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- ως: ADV
- αγγελον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εδεξασθε: VERB,aor,mid,ind,2,pl
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ως: ADV
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- John 13:20 (verbal): Jesus: 'He who receives whom I send receives me' — directly parallels Gal. 4:14's claim that the Galatians received Paul as they would receive an angel of God or Christ.
- Matthew 10:40 (verbal): Synoptic parallel to John 13:20: receiving the apostle = receiving Christ (and the one who sent him), echoing Paul’s language of being received as Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (thematic): Paul speaks of a 'thorn in the flesh' and boasts in weakness; parallels Gal. 4:13–14's reference to Paul's bodily trial and the theology of God's power shown in human weakness.
- Hebrews 13:2 (allusion): 'Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unawares' — resonates with Gal. 4:14's image of receiving Paul 'as an angel of God.'
- 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 (thematic): Paul lists insults, hardships, and poor treatment endured in ministry; thematically parallels Gal. 4:13–14 where Paul highlights his bodily trial and the Galatians' positive reception despite it.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the trial of my flesh you did not despise or reject; rather, you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
- And though my condition in the flesh was a trial, you did not despise or scorn me, but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Gal.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- που: ADV
- ουν: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μακαρισμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μαρτυρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δυνατον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- οφθαλμους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εξορυξαντες: PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- εδωκατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
Parallels
- Matthew 5:29 (verbal): Uses the same vivid image of tearing out the eye — verbal parallel in New Testament language of eye-plucking to make a moral or rhetorical point (hyperbolic physical removal).
- Mark 9:47 (verbal): Another parallel saying about gouging out the eye; shares the same striking bodily image and idiom of extreme action tied to spiritual/moral concern.
- Philippians 1:8 (thematic): Paul’s expression of deep affection—'God can testify how I long for you'—echoes the emotional intensity behind Gal 4:15’s hyperbole of willing sacrifice for the recipients.
- 2 Corinthians 12:15 (thematic): Paul’s declaration 'I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls' parallels the self-giving/sacrificial impulse implicit in the hyperbolic claim about plucking out eyes for the Galatians.
- 1 Corinthians 13:3 (thematic): Speaks of giving all one has (even body to be burned) as an expression of love; thematically connects extreme giving/sacrifice to the motivating force of love/concern evident in Gal 4:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- What then has become of the joy you once had? For I bear you witness that, if it were possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
- What then became of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
Gal.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- εχθρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- γεγονα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- αληθευων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- John 7:7 (thematic): Jesus says the world hates him because he testifies that its works are evil—connects truth-telling about moral/spiritual corruption with becoming hated.
- John 15:18-21 (thematic): Jesus warns his followers they will be hated as he was, especially because his testimony exposes the world's deeds—parallels Paul’s rhetorical question about truth producing enmity.
- Acts 13:45-46 (structural): Paul and Barnabas are opposed and contradicted by some Jews when preaching the gospel; illustrates the concrete hostile response Paul faces for proclaiming truth.
- Galatians 5:11 (verbal): Paul asks why he is persecuted if he still preached circumcision—an internal parallel in Galatians where preaching (truth/gospel) provokes opposition.
- Matthew 10:22 (thematic): Jesus tells disciples they will be hated by all for his name's sake—general teaching that allegiance to truth/Christ brings hatred, echoing Paul's question.
Alternative generated candidates
- So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
- Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Gal.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ζηλουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ου: PART,neg
- καλως: ADV
- αλλα: CONJ
- εκκλεισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- θελουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ζηλουτε: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- Philippians 1:17 (verbal): Opponents preach Christ 'out of love or selfish ambition' (envy), not sincerely—parallels hostile motives and jealous behavior described in Gal. 4:17.
- Romans 16:17-18 (thematic): Paul warns against those who cause divisions and use smooth talk to deceive the naïve—similar to persons seeking to exclude and mislead the Galatians.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (thematic): False apostles and deceitful workers disguise malicious intentions; parallels the idea of people appearing zealous but actually working harm.
- Acts 20:29-30 (thematic): Paul's warning that 'savage wolves' will arise from among the flock to draw disciples away echoes the internal threat and exclusionary aim in Gal. 4:17.
- Galatians 4:18 (structural): Immediate contrast within the letter: Paul affirms good zeal ('it is good to be zealous in a good thing') against the bad, exclusionary zeal described in 4:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- They make much of you—but for no good; they seek to exclude you, that you may be zealous on their behalf.
- They make much of you, but not for good; they seek to exclude you, that you may make much of them.
Gal.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- καλον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,neut
- δε: CONJ
- ζηλουσθαι: VERB,pres,mp,inf
- εν: PREP
- καλω: ADJ,dat,sg,neut
- παντοτε: ADV
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- μονον: ADV
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- παρειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Titus 2:14 (verbal): Uses the language of being 'zealous for good works' (Greek ζηλωτής/ζηλοῦσθαι), directly echoing the injunction to be zealous in a good thing.
- Romans 12:11 (thematic): Exhorts believers to 'not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,' paralleling the call to persistent, active zeal in Christian life.
- Galatians 1:14 (verbal): Paul describes his own past as 'more exceedingly zealous' for Jewish traditions (ζηλόω/ζηλωτής), showing his characteristic use of zeal-language within the same letter.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 (structural): Paul (to Timothy) urges readiness 'in season and out of season'—a parallel emphasis on constancy and not restricting proper conduct to the apostle’s physical presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- It is good to be zealous for a noble purpose, and not only when I am present with you.
- It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am with you.
Gal.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- παλιν: ADV
- ωδινω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- μεχρις: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- μορφωθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν·: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Romans 8:29 (thematic): Paul’s idea of believers being conformed to the image of Christ parallels the goal expressed in Gal. 4:19 — Christ ‘formed’/‘conformed’ within his people.
- Philippians 1:6 (thematic): The picture of God completing a work in believers (‘he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion’) echoes the patience and process implied by Paul’s birth‑pangs until Christ is formed.
- Colossians 1:28–29 (verbal): Paul’s aim to ‘present everyone mature in Christ’ and his labor/struggle for that end closely parallels the language of travail and formation in Gal. 4:19.
- Ephesians 4:13 (thematic): The goal of attaining maturity and the fullness/measure of Christ corresponds to the result Paul seeks in Gal. 4:19 — Christ formed in believers.
- Romans 8:22–23 (allusion): The groaning of creation and believers awaiting adoption (images of travail and longing) resonates with Paul’s childbirth metaphor of painful labor until Christ is formed.
Alternative generated candidates
- My little children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
- My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
Gal.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ηθελον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- παρειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αρτι: ADV
- και: CONJ
- αλλαξαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- οτι: CONJ
- απορουμαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Galatians 4:11 (verbal): Same letter: Paul explicitly says he fears for the Galatians (οτι απορουμαι/φοβουμαι), expressing anxiety that parallels his perplexity and wish to change his manner.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17 (thematic): Paul (and companions) speak of a strong longing to be present with the believers; parallels Gal. 4:20's desire to be present so he might alter his tone and relations.
- Romans 1:11-12 (thematic): Paul's stated longing to see the Roman Christians in order to impart mutual encouragement parallels Gal. 4:20's wish to be with the Galatians to address relational/spiritual issues face-to-face.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 (thematic): Paul expresses fear that when he comes he may find discord and problems among the Corinthians — similar to his perplexity and concern about the Galatians in 4:20.
- 2 Corinthians 2:4 (verbal): Paul explains that his previous letter was written out of 'great distress and anguish of heart' — connects to Gal. 4:20's implication that his manner/tone might change because of deep concern for the recipients.
Alternative generated candidates
- I would gladly be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
- I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to beings that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God—or rather, to be known by God—how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental principles of the world, whose slaves you desire to be once more?
You observe days and months and seasons and years.
I am afraid I may have labored among you in vain.
Brothers, I beg you, become as I am; for I also have become as you. You did me no wrong.
You know it was because of a bodily illness that I first preached the gospel to you. And though my condition was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.
Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
They are zealously courting you, but not for good; they want to exclude you, so that you may be zealous for them. But it is good always to be zealous in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
My little children, for whom I am again in the pangs of childbirth until Christ is formed in you—
I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.