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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 4:13 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 4:13, as found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, reads, "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first." In this verse, the Apostle Paul is reminding the Galatians of his previous condition when he first shared the Gospel with them.

The phrase "infirmity of the flesh" likely refers to some type of physical ailment or weakness that Paul experienced at that time.

Despite this infirmity, Paul continued his ministry and dispensed the Christian message among the Galatians.

The deeper meaning of this verse may suggest the idea that the strength of the Gospel and the commitment of a true apostle are not hindered by physical limitations.

Top Rated Galatians Books

Historical Context

Galatians was a letter written by Paul to the churches in Galatia.

This was a region in the central part of what is today the country of Turkey.

Paul probably wrote this epistle between 49 and 58 A.D.

The historical context of this verse suggests that he may have had a period of illness or weakness while in Galatia, which did not deter him from his missionary work.

It is an autobiographical reference, which also serves to establish his authenticity and dedication as an apostle.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways:

From a perspective of divine providence, despite physical illness or limitation, God’s purpose can still be achieved, as seen in Paul's ability to preach.
A perspective of perseverance might highlight this verse as evidence of the importance of continuing one's mission despite obstacles.
Some might see it as a reflection of the power of Christ at work in weakness, connecting to Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can be applied in everyday life in the following ways:

It may encourage individuals to continue working towards their goals despite facing personal challenges or physical limitations.
It can serve as an inspiration for those who struggle with illness or disability, showing that their efforts and contributions are valuable.
This verse can also remind everyone that the strength to persevere comes not only from within but also from the community's support and faith.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."
1 Thessalonians 2:8: "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
2 Timothy 4:17: "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "infirmity of the flesh" which in Greek is "ἀσθένεια τῆς σαρκός" (astheneia tēs sarkos).

The word "ἀσθένεια" (astheneia) refers to weakness or sickness, and "σαρκός" (sarkos) relates to the flesh or body.

This suggests that Paul's impediment was physical.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures and religions, illness might have been viewed as a sign of divine displeasure or punishment.

In contrast, the Christian view as presented by Paul treats his infirmity as an opportunity to demonstrate the sufficiency of God's grace. This contrasts with many myths where heroes showed no weakness or where weakness led to their downfall.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, Paul's "infirmity of the flesh" could be examined through medical analysis, hypothesizing what kind of ailment he might have suffered from.

However, without specific symptoms or descriptions, this largely remains conjecture. The lesson that human willpower and commitment can outweigh physical limitations aligns with psychological understandings of human resilience.

Commentaries

Experts and Bible scholars have proposed various interpretations of this verse.

Some suggest that Paul's ailment might have been a chronic condition, influencing not only his health but his approach to ministry.

Others believe that mentioning his weakness served to counter accusations of insincerity or self-service, emphasizing instead his commitment and the authenticity of his message.

While the exact nature of his "infirmity" remains a subject of debate, his use of it to validate his ministry is widely acknowledged in the academic field.

Galatians 4

Galatians 4

What does Galatians 4:13 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 4:13 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?