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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 4:20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/4-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/48_Gal_04_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 4:20 - Paul's Fears for the Galatians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/4-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/4-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/4-19.htm" title="Galatians 4:19">◄</a> Galatians 4:20 <a href="/galatians/4-21.htm" title="Galatians 4:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/4.htm">New International Version</a> how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! <a href="/nlt/galatians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you. <a href="/esv/galatians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. <a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I was wishing indeed to be present with you presently and to change my tone, because I am perplexed as to you. <a href="/kjv/galatians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you! <a href="/nasb/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/lsb/galatians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. <a href="/amp/galatians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> how I wish that I were with you now and could change my tone, because I am perplexed in regard to you. <a href="/csb/galatians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don&#8217t know what to do about you. <a href="/asv/galatians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/cev/galatians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I wish I were with you now. Then I would not have to talk this way. You really have me puzzled. <a href="/erv/galatians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> yea, I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/gwt/galatians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice. I'm completely puzzled by what you've done! <a href="/gnt/galatians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you! <a href="/isv/galatians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice, because I am completely baffled by you! <a href="/msb/galatians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. <a href="/net/galatians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you. <a href="/nheb/galatians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/wbt/galatians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. <a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Would that I were with you and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/web/galatians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> indeed I was wishing to be present with you now, and to change my voice, because I am in doubt about you. <a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I was wishing indeed to be present with you presently and to change my tone, because I am perplexed as to you. <a href="/ylt/galatians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I was wishing to be present with you now, and to change my voice, because I am in doubt about you. <a href="/slt/galatians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I would be present with you now, and change my voice; for I am perplexed about you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I would willingly be present with you now, and change my voice: because I am ashamed for you. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I would willingly be present with you, even now. But I would alter my voice: for I am ashamed of you. <a href="/nabre/galatians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> I would like to be with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed because of you. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I wish I could be with you now, and could change the tone of my voice; because I am deeply concerned about you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I wish to be with you now and to change my tone, because I am dumbfounded at you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I desire to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am in doubt concerning you.<CM> <a href="/godbey/galatians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but I wish to come unto you now, and change my voice; because I am at a loss in reference to you. <a href="/haweis/galatians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I wish I could be with you now, and change my address; for I am in doubt about you.<CM> <a href="/mace/galatians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I wish I could be present this very moment with you, and suit my discourse accordingly, for I stand in doubt what to think of you. <a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Would that I were with you and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. <a href="/worrell/galatians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And I was wishing to be present with you now, and to change my voice; because I am perplexed about you. <a href="/worsley/galatians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> till Christ be formed in you, I should be glad to be present with you even now, and to change my voice; for I am in doubt about you. <a href="/parallel/galatians/4-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=862" 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> …19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">how</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelon (V-IIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I wish</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.">I could be</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> <a href="/greek/737.htm" title="737: arti (Adv) -- Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.">now</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/236.htm" title="236: allaxai (V-ANA) -- To change, alter, exchange, transform. From allos; to make different.">change</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">tone,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/639.htm" title="639: aporoumai (V-PIM-1S) -- From a compound of a and the base of poreuomai; to have no way out, i.e. Be at a loss.">I am perplexed</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.">about</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?…<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/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. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21</a> Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit? <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Philippians 1:8</a> God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm">2 Corinthians 1:23</a> I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:17</a> Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">2 Corinthians 2:1-4</a> So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. / For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved? / I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. ... <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Romans 9:3</a> For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20-21</a> For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. / I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a> Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">1 Corinthians 5:3-5</a> Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. / When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, / hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord. <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">2 Timothy 1:4</a> Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-7.htm">1 Corinthians 16:7</a> For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8-9</a> Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time— / yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. <a href="/1_samuel/10-6.htm">1 Samuel 10:6</a> Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. <a href="/jeremiah/13-17.htm">Jeremiah 13:17</a> But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.to be.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">1 Corinthians 4:19-21</a> But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power… <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:17,18</a> But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire… <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:9</a> For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;stand in doubt of you.<a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11</a> I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">Change</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-6.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Perplexed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-14.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Tone</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Using</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/galatians/1-7.htm">Wishing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Change</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-21.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Perplexed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-25.htm">Present</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-25.htm">Tone</a> <a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Using</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Wishing</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/galatians/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>how I wish The phrase "how I wish" conveys a deep longing and earnest desire from the Apostle Paul. In the Greek, the word "wish" (θέλω, thelō) implies a strong will or intention. This reflects Paul's heartfelt concern and pastoral care for the Galatians. His desire is not just a passing thought but a profound yearning to be present with them, indicating the depth of his relationship and commitment to their spiritual well-being.I could be with you now Paul's longing "to be with you now" underscores the importance of personal presence in ministry. The Greek word for "be with" (παρεῖναι, pareinai) suggests a close, personal interaction. In the historical context, personal visits were crucial for teaching and correcting, as letters could not fully convey the nuances of tone and emotion. Paul's desire to be physically present highlights the relational aspect of his apostolic mission, emphasizing that true discipleship often requires face-to-face engagement.and change my tone The phrase "and change my tone" indicates Paul's awareness of the emotional and rhetorical impact of his letter. The Greek word for "tone" (φωνή, phōnē) can refer to voice or sound, suggesting that Paul is conscious of how his written words might be perceived. He wishes to adjust his approach, reflecting a pastoral sensitivity and adaptability. This highlights the importance of communication in ministry, where the manner of delivery can significantly affect the reception of the message.because I am perplexed about you Paul's admission, "because I am perplexed about you," reveals his deep concern and confusion regarding the Galatians' spiritual state. The Greek word for "perplexed" (ἀπορέω, aporeō) conveys a sense of being at a loss or in doubt. This reflects the gravity of the situation, as Paul struggles to understand why the Galatians are turning away from the gospel he preached. Historically, this perplexity is rooted in the Galatians' susceptibility to false teachings, which threatened the purity of the gospel message. Paul's perplexity is not just intellectual but deeply emotional, as he grapples with the potential spiritual consequences for the Galatians.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) I desire.--The Greek is not quite so definite: "I could indeed wish."Change my voice.--Rather, change my tone; speak in terms less severe.I stand in doubt of you.--Rather, as in the margin, I am perplexed about you--i.e., I do not know what to say to you--how I ought to deal with you so as to win you back from this defection. If the Apostle had been present, so as to see what effect his words were having, he would know what line to take. As it is, in writing to them he is at a loss, and fears to make matters worse instead of better.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - I desire to be present with you now (ἤθελον δὲ παρεῖναι πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἄρτι); I could wish to be present with you this very hour. The δὲ marks here simply a transition to another thought, and, as is not unfrequently the case, and as our Authorized Version assumes, needs not to be represented in translation at all. Bishop Lightfoot writes, "But, speaking of my presence, I would I had been present," etc. But this explanation is not necessary. The imperfect verb ἤθελον, like the ἐβουλόμην of <a href="/acts/25-22.htm">Acts 25:22</a> and the ηὐχόμην of <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Romans 9:3</a>, denotes a movement as it were which had just been stirring in the mind, but which for good reasons is now withdrawn: "I could almost wish - but long distance and pressure of other duties make it impossible." Thus much in explanation of the withdrawal of the wish. The wish itself was occasioned by the feeling that the yearning desire of his soul might perhaps be more likely to be achieved if, by being on the spot, he were enabled to adapt his treatment to a more distinct consciousness of the circumstances than he can possibly now have. "To be present with you;" the very words are repeated from ver. 18. It was well both with you and with me when I was with you: would that I could be with van now I (On ἄρτι,," this very hour," see note on ch. 1:9.) And to change my voice (καὶ ἀλλάξαι τὴν φωνήν μου). The tense of the infinitive ἀλλάξαι hardly allows us to take the word as meaning "from moment to moment according to the rapidly varying emergencies." This would have been expressed rather by ἀλλάσσειν. The question then arises - Change: from what to what? to which a great variety of answers have been proposed. The clue is probably supplied in the words, "be present with you this very hour." This ἄρτι, contrasting as it does the very present with the former occasions on which the apostle had been with them, suggests that he meant that the tone of his utterance would need to be different if amongst them just now from what it had then been. Then, it was the simple, un-anxious, joyous, exposition of the blessed gospel, untrammelled by fear of being misunderstood; such a way of speaking as one would be naturally drawn on to pursue who found himself addressing those whom he could confide in, and who were disposed frankly and lovingly, with an honest and good heart, to drink in from his lips the simple faith. Perhaps he might now find it necessary to replace that mode of utterance by guarded words, by stern reasoning, by the refuting of wilful misconceptions, by exposing and abashing cavil and objection. For I stand in doubt of you; or, I am perplexed for you (ἀποροῦμαι γὰρ ἐν ὑμῖν); I am perplexed about you. Compare Θαῥῤῶ ἐν ὑμῖν, "I am in good courage concerning you" (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-16.htm">2 Corinthians 7:16</a>). As "in" the Corinthians the apostle found ground for good courage, so "in" the Galatians he found ground for perplexity. This explains his wishing that he were with them. He would in that case be less unable to clearly understand their state of mind. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/4-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[how] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I wish ἤθελον (ēthelon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. I could be παρεῖναι (pareinai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3918.htm">Strong's 3918: </a> From para and eimi; to be near, i.e. At hand; neuter present participle time being, or property. 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. now ἄρτι (arti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_737.htm">Strong's 737: </a> Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. change ἀλλάξαι (allaxai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_236.htm">Strong's 236: </a> To change, alter, exchange, transform. From allos; to make different. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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. tone, φωνήν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I am perplexed ἀποροῦμαι (aporoumai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> From a compound of a and the base of poreuomai; to have no way out, i.e. Be at a loss. about 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. you. ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 4:20 But I could wish to be present (Gal. 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