CINXE.COM

<!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 4:11 I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/4-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/48_Gal_04_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 4:11 - Paul's Fears for the Galatians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/4-11.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/4-11.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 11</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="/ad11.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/4-10.htm" title="Galatians 4:10">◄</a> Galatians 4:11 <a href="/galatians/4-12.htm" title="Galatians 4:12">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/galatians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/galatians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/galatians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, lest perhaps I have toiled for you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/galatians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/galatians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/galatians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/galatians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you for nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/galatians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored [to the point of exhaustion] over you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/galatians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/galatians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/galatians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/galatians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am afraid I have wasted my time working with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/galatians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labour upon you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/galatians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I'm afraid for you. Maybe the hard work I spent on you has been wasted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/galatians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/galatians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I am afraid for you! I don't want my work for you to have been wasted!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/galatians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/galatians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/galatians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/galatians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I am alarmed about you, and am afraid that I have perhaps bestowed labour upon you to no purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/galatians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/galatians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, lest I labored in vain for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I fear for you, lest perhaps I have toiled for you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/galatians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I am afraid of you, lest in vain I did labour toward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/galatians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest I have been wearied for you in vain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/galatians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have laboured in vain among you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/galatians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, lest perhaps I may have labored in vain among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/galatians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid on your account that perhaps I have labored for you in vain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/galatians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/galatians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I am afraid that perhaps I have labored among you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I fear lest I have labored among you for nothing.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/galatians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I fear for you, lest I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/galatians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I fear lest I have labored unto you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/galatians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I am afraid for you, lest haply I have bestowed on you labour in vain.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/galatians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />you make me apprehensive, that the labour I have bestowed upon you will be all in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I am alarmed about you, and am afraid that I have perhaps bestowed labour upon you to no purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/galatians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have toiled for you in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/galatians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>so that</i> I am afraid for you, least I have indeed bestowed upon you labour in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/galatians/4-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=786" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Paul's Fears for the Galatians</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phoboumai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">I fear</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">for you,</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.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2872.htm" title="2872: kekopiaka (V-RIA-1S) -- From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.">my efforts</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</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/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">may have been</a> <a href="/greek/1500.htm" title="1500: eikē (Adv) -- Without a cause, purpose; purposelessly, in vain, for nothing. Probably from eiko; idly, i.e. Without reason.">in vain.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">1 Corinthians 15:2</a></span><br />By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a></span><br />as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a></span><br />I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">2 Corinthians 6:1</a></span><br />As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:5</a></span><br />For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Hebrews 4:1</a></span><br />Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">2 John 1:8</a></span><br />Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10-15</a></span><br />By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-21.htm">Romans 11:21-22</a></span><br />For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a></span><br />if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a></span><br />See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a></span><br />They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-4.htm">Isaiah 49:4</a></span><br />But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Jeremiah 8:8-9</a></span><br />How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain.</p><p class="hdg">am.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-20.htm">Galatians 4:20</a></b></br> I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2,3</a></b></br> For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present <i>you as</i> a chaste virgin to Christ… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20,21</a></b></br> For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and <i>that</i> I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest <i>there be</i> debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: … </p><p class="hdg">lest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Galatians 2:2</a></b></br> And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-4</a></b></br> Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-4.htm">Isaiah 49:4</a></b></br> Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: <i>yet</i> surely my judgment <i>is</i> with the LORD, and my work with my God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/24-25.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">Bestowed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">Efforts</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/romans/16-6.htm">Labored</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Means</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">Somehow</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Bestowed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Efforts</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Labored</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Means</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/philippians/3-11.htm">Somehow</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/james/5-3.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/4-5.htm">But Christ freed us from the law;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">therefore we are servants no longer to it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Paul remembers the Galatians' good will to him, and his to them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">and shows that we are the sons of Abraham by the freewoman.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>I fear for you</b><br>Paul expresses a deep concern for the Galatian believers, reflecting his pastoral heart. This fear is not for his own safety or reputation but for the spiritual well-being of the Galatians. Historically, Paul had established the churches in Galatia during his missionary journeys, and he had invested significant time and effort in teaching them the gospel. His fear arises from reports that the Galatians are turning away from the true gospel to follow Judaizers, who insisted on adherence to Jewish law for salvation. This concern is similar to his warnings in other letters, such as <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a>, where he fears the Corinthians might be led astray from their pure devotion to Christ.<p><b>that my efforts for you</b><br>Paul's efforts included preaching, teaching, and nurturing the Galatian church. His missionary work was characterized by hardship and perseverance, as seen in <a href="/acts/13.htm">Acts 13-14</a>, where he faced opposition and persecution. The term "efforts" underscores the labor and dedication Paul invested in establishing and strengthening the Galatian believers. This reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual labor, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>, where believers are encouraged to be steadfast in their work for the Lord, knowing it is not in vain.<p><b>may have been in vain</b><br>The possibility that his work might be in vain highlights the seriousness of the Galatians' potential apostasy. In the biblical context, "in vain" suggests a fruitless or ineffective outcome, which is a grave concern for any minister of the gospel. This echoes the sentiment in <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a>, where Paul desires to know that he did not run or labor in vain. Theologically, this phrase underscores the importance of perseverance in faith and the danger of turning away from the gospel of grace. It also reflects the biblical principle that true faith results in transformation and obedience, as seen in <a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>, where faith without works is dead.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians. He is expressing concern for the spiritual well-being of the Galatian believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a group of churches in the region of Galatia. They were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on adherence to Jewish law for salvation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a></b><br>A group of Jewish Christians who taught that Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, including circumcision, to be saved.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/galatia.htm">Galatia</a></b><br>A region in modern-day Turkey where Paul established several churches during his missionary journeys.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/efforts.htm">Efforts</a></b><br>Refers to Paul's missionary work and teaching among the Galatians, emphasizing the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_false_teaching.htm">The Danger of False Teaching</a></b><br>False teachings can lead believers away from the true gospel. It is crucial to discern and reject teachings that add to or distort the message of grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Perseverance</a></b><br>Believers must persevere in their faith, holding fast to the gospel they received. This requires continual growth and vigilance against spiritual complacency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leaders</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders, like Paul, invest deeply in the spiritual growth of their communities. Their concern for believers' faithfulness is a model for pastoral care and discipleship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_self-examination.htm">The Value of Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regular self-examination helps ensure that one's faith is genuine and not in vain. Believers should assess their adherence to the gospel and their spiritual progress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_and_encouragement.htm">The Power of Prayer and Encouragement</a></b><br>Praying for and encouraging one another strengthens the community of faith and helps guard against falling away from the truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/two_or_three_witnesses_needed.htm">When should you search and when should you give up?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'not_grow_weary'_mean.htm">What does 'Not Grow Weary in Doing Good' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_acts_contradict_paul's_letters.htm">Why does Acts contradict Paul's letters in key details, such as his visits to Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_paul's_'by_revelation'_claim.htm">Galatians 2:2 - How can we verify Paul's claim of going 'by revelation' to meet the apostles when there is no concrete external evidence for such an event?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain</span> (<span class="greek">φοβοῦμαι ὑμᾶς μήπῶς εἰκῆ κεποπίακα εἰς ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="accented">I am afraid of you</span>, <span class="accented">lest by any means</span> 1 <span class="accented">have bestowed labour upon you in vain.</span> That is, this behaviour of yours makes me fear whether I may not have bestowed labour upon you fruitlessly. A similar construction of <span class="greek">μή πως</span> with an indicative occurs in <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:5</a>, <span class="greek">Μή πως ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ</span> <span class="greek">πειράζων</span>, "Fearing, whether the tempter may not have tempted you;" followed by the subjunctive, <span class="greek">Καὶ εἰς κένον γένηται ὁ κόπος</span> <span class="greek">ἡμῶν</span>, "And lest our labour should [in the as yet future result] prove to be for no good." This passage in the Thessalonians serves to illustrate the nature of the mischief, which, in the present case, the apostle feared might result. For one thing, there was the hurt, the perhaps fatal hurt, which the Galatian believers might themselves receive from that virtual renouncement of their spiritual inheritance which they now seemed to be foolishly making. But there was also the disappointment which would accrue to himself through the failure of his work among them: "For what," as he wrote to the Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "is our hope, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?" The same anticipated joy he speaks of in writing to the Philippians, as about to accrue to himself from the steadfastness of his converts: "That I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain, neither labour in vain." This anticipation was a joy which he would fain not have wrested from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/galatians/4-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I fear</span><br /><span class="grk">φοβοῦμαι</span> <span class="translit">(phoboumai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> </span><span class="str2">From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that]</span><br /><span class="grk">μή</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my efforts</span><br /><span class="grk">κεκοπίακα</span> <span class="translit">(kekopiaka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2872.htm">Strong's 2872: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may have been</span><br /><span class="grk">πως</span> <span class="translit">(pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in vain.</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰκῇ</span> <span class="translit">(eikē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1500.htm">Strong's 1500: </a> </span><span class="str2">Without a cause, purpose; purposelessly, in vain, for nothing. Probably from eiko; idly, i.e. Without reason.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/galatians/4-11.htm">Galatians 4:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 4:11 I am afraid for you that (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 4:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>