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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 4:18 Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose--at any time, and not only when I am with you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/4-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/48_Gal_04_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 4:18 - Paul's Fears for the Galatians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose--at any time, and not only when I am with you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you. <a href="/esv/galatians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, <a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you. <a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now it is good to be zealous in a right thing, at all times and not only in my being present with you. <a href="/kjv/galatians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable way, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nasb/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/lsb/galatians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But it is good always to be zealously sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/amp/galatians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now it is always pleasant to be eagerly sought after [provided that it is] for a good purpose, and not just when I am with you [seeking you myself—but beware of the others doing it]. <a href="/csb/galatians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. <a href="/asv/galatians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/cev/galatians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is always good to give your attention to something worthwhile, even when I am not with you. <a href="/erv/galatians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/gwt/galatians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> (Devotion to a good cause is always good, even when I'm not with you.) <a href="/gnt/galatians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good--this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. <a href="/isv/galatians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> (Now it is always good to be devoted to a good cause, even when I am not with you.) <a href="/msb/galatians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose?at any time, and not only when I am with you. <a href="/net/galatians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nheb/galatians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/wbt/galatians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is always an honourable thing to be courted in an honourable cause; always, and not only when I am with you, my children-- <a href="/web/galatians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and [it is] good to be zealously regarded, in what is good, at all times, and not only in my being present with you; <a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now it is good to be zealous in a right thing, at all times and not only in my being present with you. <a href="/ylt/galatians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it is good to be zealously regarded, in what is good, at all times, and not only in my being present with you; <a href="/slt/galatians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And good to be zealous always in good, and not only in my being present with you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But be zealous for that which is good in a good thing always: and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But be imitators of what is good, always in a good way, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/nabre/galatians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Now it is good to be shown interest for good reason at all times, and not only when I am with you. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But it is good that you should always envy after good things, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But it is good that you would imitate excellence always, and not only when I am with you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> It is honorable to be ardently attached always, in what is honorable, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/godbey/galatians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> It is good always to be zealous in a good thing, and not only in my coming to you. <a href="/haweis/galatians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> It is good indeed to be zealously affected in a good cause always, and not only when I am present with you.<CM> <a href="/mace/galatians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but it is just you should cultivate my affection for you upon all proper occasions, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is always an honourable thing to be courted in an honourable cause; always, and not only when I am with you, my children-- <a href="/worrell/galatians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But it is good to be zealously sought in a good thing at all times, and not only when I am present with you, <a href="/worsley/galatians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But it is good to be zealously affected always in that which is good, and not only when I am present with you. <a href="/parallel/galatians/4-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=847" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Paul's Fears for the Galatians</a> …17Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Nevertheless,</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-NNS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">it is good</a> <a href="/greek/2206.htm" title="2206: zēlousthai (V-PNM/P) -- From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against.">to be zealous</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">if it serves</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalō (Adj-DNS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">a noble purpose—</a> <a href="/greek/3842.htm" title="3842: pantote (Adv) -- Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times.">at any time,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">when</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I am</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3918.htm" title="3918: pareinai (V-PNA) -- From para and eimi; to be near, i.e. At hand; neuter present participle time being, or property."></a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">with</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a> I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Philippians 1:15-17</a> It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. / The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a> For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">1 Corinthians 12:31</a> But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a> but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">2 Corinthians 7:7</a> and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">1 Corinthians 14:1</a> Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">2 Corinthians 12:19</a> Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4</a> For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a> Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a> I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">1 Peter 3:13</a> Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a> This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.it is.<a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Numbers 25:11-13</a> Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy… <a href="/psalms/69-9.htm">Psalm 69:9</a> For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.<a href="/psalms/119-139.htm">Psalm 119:139</a> My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.I am.<a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20</a> I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.<a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;<a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a> Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/14-2.htm">Affected</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-19.htm">Commendable</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/galatians/1-4.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/galatians/4-10.htm">Times</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Zealous</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Zealously</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/5-17.htm">Affected</a> <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Always</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">Commendable</a> <a href="/galatians/5-5.htm">Eagerly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">Present</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-40.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Times</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Zealous</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-20.htm">Zealously</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 4</div>1. <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">We were under the law till Christ came, as the heir is under the guardian till he be of age.</a> 5. <a href="/galatians/4-5.htm">But Christ freed us from the law;</a> 7. <a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">therefore we are servants no longer to it.</a> 14. <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Paul remembers the Galatians' good will to him, and his to them;</a> 22. <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">and shows that we are the sons of Abraham by the freewoman.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous Zeal is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with fervent devotion to God. In the Old Testament, Phinehas is commended for his zeal for God's honor (<a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Numbers 25:11-13</a>). In the New Testament, Paul himself was zealous for the traditions of his fathers before his conversion (<a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a>). Here, Paul acknowledges that zeal is commendable when directed towards righteous ends. This aligns with the biblical principle that God desires wholehearted devotion (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>).if it serves a noble purpose The emphasis on a "noble purpose" suggests that zeal must be aligned with God's will and truth. In the context of Galatians, Paul contrasts the misguided zeal of the Judaizers, who were promoting adherence to the Mosaic Law, with the true gospel of grace. This echoes Jesus' teaching that true worshipers must worship in spirit and truth (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>). Noble purposes are those that advance the kingdom of God and reflect His character.at any time Paul encourages consistent zeal, not just in moments of heightened emotion or when under the influence of a charismatic leader. This reflects the biblical call to perseverance and steadfastness in faith (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>). The idea is that believers should be consistently fervent in their pursuit of God's purposes, regardless of external circumstances or pressures.and not only when I am with you Paul's concern is for the Galatians to maintain their commitment to the gospel independently of his presence. This highlights the importance of personal conviction and maturity in faith. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual growth and independence, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12-14</a>, where believers are encouraged to move beyond spiritual infancy. Paul's desire is for the Galatians to be rooted in Christ, not reliant on human leaders for their spiritual vitality.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians, addressing issues of faith and practice within the early church. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christians in the region of Galatia who were struggling with the influence of Judaizers. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a> A group within the early church advocating for adherence to Jewish law, which Paul addresses throughout the letter. 4. <a href="/topical/z/zeal.htm">Zeal</a> The fervor or enthusiasm that Paul discusses, emphasizing its importance when directed towards good purposes. 5. <a href="/topical/n/noble_purpose.htm">Noble Purpose</a> The focus of zeal that Paul encourages, suggesting that enthusiasm should be aligned with righteous and godly goals.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_zeal.htm">The Value of Zeal</a> Zeal is a powerful force in the Christian life when directed towards godly purposes. It can drive us to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. <a href="/topical/z/zeal_with_knowledge.htm">Zeal with Knowledge</a> It is crucial that our zeal is informed by the truth of Scripture. Misguided zeal can lead to error and division, as seen in the case of the Judaizers. <a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_zeal.htm">Consistency in Zeal</a> Paul encourages the Galatians to maintain their zeal at all times, not just when he is present. This speaks to the importance of personal integrity and consistency in our walk with Christ. <a href="/topical/p/purposeful_enthusiasm.htm">Purposeful Enthusiasm</a> Our enthusiasm should be channeled towards noble purposes, such as serving others, spreading the Gospel, and growing in personal holiness. <a href="/topical/c/community_encouragement.htm">Community Encouragement</a> Zeal can be contagious. When we are passionate about our faith, it can inspire and encourage others in the community to pursue godly goals.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 4</a> <a href="/q/how_does_zeal_differ_from_fanaticism.htm">What distinguishes zeal from fanaticism?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'rejoice_in_your_wife'_mean.htm">What does 'fervent in spirit' mean?</a> <a href="/q/can_i_have_balance,_not_wealth_or_poverty.htm">What signifies the proper time for every event?</a> <a href="/q/what_distinguishes_envy_from_jealousy.htm">What distinguishes envy from jealousy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.--A disinterested zeal between teachers and taught is indeed good in itself. The Apostle does not wish to dissuade the Galatians from that. He would be only too glad to see such a mutual interchange himself--in his absence as well as in his presence. It seems a mistake to refer this either to the Galatians alone or to St. Paul alone. The proposition is stated in a general form, so as to cover both. It is right to be zealously affected always. Their eager zeal should not have its ebbs and flows, but should subsist constantly, whether those between whom it is felt are present together or not.In a good thing.--This expression corresponds to "but not well" in the last verse, and means honestly, disinterestedly, with a view to the spread of the gospel, and not to personal ascendancy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you (καλὸν δὲ ζηλοῦσθαι, [Receptus, τὸ ζηλοῦσθαι] ἐν καλῷ παντότε καὶ μὴ μόνον ἐν τῷ παρεῖναί με πρὸς ὑμᾶς); but good it is to be admired, in what is good, at all times and not only when I am present with you. That is, but as to being admired and felicitated, the good kind of admiring felicitation is that which, being tendered on a good account, is enjoyed at all times, and not only, my little children, when 1 am with you, as on that first occasion when you were so full of mutual felicitation and joy in the newly found sense of God's adoption and love in Christ Jesus. In signification, this ζηλοῦσθαι, to be admired, is equivalent to μακαρίζεσθαι, to be congratulated, and was illustrated in the first note on ver. 17, especially by the reference to Aristophanes, 'Nubes,' 1188. Ζηλοῦσθαι ἐν τῷ παρεῖναι με πρὸς ὑμας, "to be objects of admiration when I am present with you," is manifestly a recital of the μακαρισμὸς ὑμῶν, "the gratulation of yourselves," of ver. 15. The vivid remembrance of the simple-hearted joy and frank sympathy with each other's happiness of those days comes back to the apostle's mind with fresh force, after his brief mention and rebuke of the false-hearted gratulations and compliments by which they were now in danger of being ensnared. With a gentle reprehension of their levity, in that they were now bartering that former well-founded happiness for this later poor gratification of being recipients of mere false flattery, he yearns to bring them back to what they were so senselessly casting away, and that they should hold it fast, a stable joy, whether he was with them or not. This would be the case if "Christ were truly formed in them." The phrase, ἐν καλῷ, "in what is good," is similar to ἐν κρυπτῷ (<a href="/john/7-4.htm">John 7:4</a>); ὁ ἐν τῷ φανερῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ Ἰουδαῖος (<a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28, 29</a>). The sphere in which this admiring felicitation acts must be "what is good;" here that highest good which these Galatians were in danger of losing, if, indeed, they possessed it - being, and knowing themselves to be, sons of God. It is a doubtful point whether ver. 19 should be conjoined with this present verse, with a colon between vers. 19 and 20, and a comma only at the end of ver. 18; or whether the sentences should be separated as they appear in our Authorized Version. But at all events, the earnest, anxious, tender affectionateness which, as it were, wrings the apostle's heart in writing ver. 19, is to be felt already working in his soul in the writing of this eighteenth verse. The sense above given to the verb ζηλοῦν, though disallowed by Alford and Bishops Ellicott and Lightfoot, appears to be that recognized by the Greek commentators Chrysostom and Theophylact. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/4-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Nevertheless, δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [it is] good καλὸν (kalon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. to be zealous ζηλοῦσθαι (zēlousthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against. if it serves ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. a noble [purpose]— καλῷ (kalō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. at any time, πάντοτε (pantote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3842.htm">Strong's 3842: </a> Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. only μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. when ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. I am με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. with πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you. ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 4:18 But it is always good to be (Gal. 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