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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="/ad8.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/4-7.htm" title="Galatians 4:7">◄</a> Galatians 4:8 <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm" title="Galatians 4:9">►</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 />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/galatians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/galatians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But at that time indeed, not knowing God, you were enslaved to those by nature not being gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/galatians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/galatians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/galatians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/galatians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/galatians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/galatians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But at that time, when you did not know [the true] God <i>and</i> were unacquainted with Him, you [Gentiles] were slaves to those [pagan] things which by [their very] nature were not <i>and</i> could not be gods <i>at all.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/galatians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/galatians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But in the past, when you didn&#8217t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/galatians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/galatians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Before you knew God, you were slaves of gods that are not real. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/galatians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them which by nature are no gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/galatians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you didn't know God, you were slaves to things which are really not gods at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/galatians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/galatians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, in the past, when you did not know God, you were slaves to things that are not really gods at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/galatians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Formerly when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/galatians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />However at that time, not knowing God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/galatians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />However then, when ye knew not God, ye did service to them which by nature are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But at one time, you Gentiles, having no knowledge of God, were slaves to gods which in reality do not exist.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/galatians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/galatians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/galatians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But then, indeed, having not known God, you were in servitude to those [that are] not by nature gods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But at that time indeed, not knowing God, you were enslaved to those by nature not being gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/galatians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> But then, indeed, not having known God, ye were in servitude to those not by nature gods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/galatians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But then truly, not having known God, ye were in a servile condition to them not being gods by nature.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/galatians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But then indeed, not knowing God, you served them, who, by nature, are not gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/galatians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But then, certainly, while ignorant of God, you served those who, by nature, are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/galatians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by nature are not gods;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/galatians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/galatians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Howbeit then, when you did not know God, you served those things which from their nature were not gods.<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 />For then when you had not known God, you served those which by their nature were not gods.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/galatians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But, then, because you knew not God, you were enslaved to those who, by nature, are not gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/galatians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But you indeed, not knowing God, at that time served those who by nature are not gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/galatians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But at that time when ye knew not God, ye served those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/galatians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />When you did not know God, you did service to those, who in reality are no Gods; but now that you know God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But at one time, you Gentiles, having no knowledge of God, were slaves to gods which in reality do not exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/galatians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But then, indeed, when ye knew not God, ye served those which by nature are no gods;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/galatians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But then indeed, when ye knew not God, ye served those which in reality are no gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/galatians/4-8.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=759" 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">7</span>So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: Alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Formerly,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">when you did not know</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/1398.htm" title="1398: edouleusate (V-AIA-2P) -- To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.">you were slaves</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those who</a> <a href="/greek/5449.htm" title="5449: physei (N-DFS) -- From phuo; growth, i.e. natural production; by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage.">by nature</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</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/2316.htm" title="2316: theois (N-DMP) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">gods.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?…<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="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-23</a></span><br />For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">1 Corinthians 12:2</a></span><br />You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Acts 17:22-23</a></span><br />Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. / For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:9</a></span><br />For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-12</a></span><br />Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Colossians 1:21</a></span><br />Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">1 John 5:20-21</a></span><br />And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. / Little children, keep yourselves from idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-15.htm">Acts 14:15</a></span><br />“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a></span><br />So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a></span><br />All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm">Jeremiah 10:1-5</a></span><br />Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. / This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-17.htm">Deuteronomy 32:17</a></span><br />They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a></span><br />Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a></span><br />The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">However, then, when you knew not God, you did service to them which by nature are no gods.</p><p class="hdg">when.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></b></br> And Pharaoh said, Who <i>is</i> the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/10-25.htm">Jeremiah 10:25</a></b></br> Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-10.htm">John 1:10</a></b></br> He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.</p><p class="hdg">ye did.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/24-2.htm">Joshua 24:2,15</a></b></br> And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, <i>even</i> Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a></b></br> Their idols <i>are</i> silver and gold, the work of men's hands… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a></b></br> The idols of the heathen <i>are</i> silver and gold, the work of men's hands… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-18.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/2-15.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Reality</a> <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Right</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-8.htm">Service</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Servitude</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/galatians/4-23.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">However</a> <a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/4-23.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/colossians/2-17.htm">Reality</a> <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Service</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Servitude</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Time</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>Formerly, when you did not know God</b><br>This phrase refers to the time before the Galatians' conversion to Christianity. In the biblical context, "knowing God" implies a personal and relational knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. The Galatians, primarily Gentiles, were previously unaware of the one true God, Yahweh, as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. This ignorance is contrasted with the intimate relationship believers are called to have with God through Jesus Christ. The concept of knowing God is central to the biblical narrative, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a>, where God desires that people understand and know Him.<p><b>you were slaves</b><br>The term "slaves" here is metaphorical, indicating bondage or servitude to spiritual forces or systems. In the Greco-Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and the imagery would have been powerful for the Galatian audience. Spiritually, this slavery refers to the bondage of sin and idolatry. <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> discusses how people are slaves to whatever they obey, whether sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness. The use of "slaves" underscores the lack of freedom and autonomy experienced by those outside of Christ.<p><b>to those who by nature are not gods</b><br>This phrase highlights the idolatrous practices of the Galatians before their conversion. The "gods" mentioned are likely the pagan deities worshiped in the region, which were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. These deities, such as Zeus and Hermes, were part of a pantheon that demanded worship and offerings. However, Paul emphasizes that these entities are not gods by nature, echoing the Old Testament's denunciation of idols, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>, where idols are described as man-made and powerless. This distinction is crucial, as it sets the stage for understanding the supremacy of the one true God and the futility of idol worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, the Galatians were a group of churches in the region of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey. They were primarily Gentile converts to Christianity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians. He was a key figure in the early Christian church and a missionary to the Gentiles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pagan_deities.htm">Pagan Deities</a></b><br>The "those who by nature are not gods" refers to the pagan deities that the Galatians worshiped before converting to Christianity. These were idols and false gods prevalent in the Greco-Roman world.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_idolatry.htm">Understanding Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Reflect on what modern "idols" might be present in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_knowing_god.htm">The Importance of Knowing God</a></b><br>Knowing God personally is crucial to breaking free from the bondage of idolatry. This knowledge transforms our identity and priorities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a></b><br>Embrace the freedom that comes from knowing Christ. Unlike the bondage of idolatry, Christ offers true freedom and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Develop discernment to recognize and reject false teachings or influences that may lead you away from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_the_gospel.htm">Transformation through the Gospel</a></b><br>The Gospel has the power to transform lives, turning us from our former ways to a new life in Christ.<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/what_non-biblical_sources_confirm_gal._4_8-9.htm">Galatians 4:8-9 suggests turning away from “weak and miserable forces”—what non-biblical sources confirm the nature of these “forces” in that cultural context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_sin_persist_after_the_flood.htm">What defines a sinner?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_libertine.htm">What defines a libertine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proof_they_abandoned_idols_for_paul.htm">(1 Thess 1:9–10) Is there concrete proof that these alleged idol-worshipers truly abandoned their practices in response to Paul’s message?</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>(8-11) The results of the foregoing argument are now turned against the Galatians. In their old heathen state they had been in bondage to gods that were no gods. From this bondage they had been delivered. They had been raised to a true knowledge of God, and received a Father's recognition from Him. How then could they possibly think of returning to a system of mere ceremonialism. All this painful observance of times and seasons could only make the Apostle think that his labours on their behalf had been thrown away.<p>(8) <span class= "bld">Them which by nature are no gods.</span>--The gods of the heathen are called by St. Paul "devils." (See <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm" title="But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.">1Corinthians 10:20</a> : "The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to devils, and not to God.")<span class= "bld"><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Howbeit</span> (<span class="greek">ἀλλά</span>); a strongly adversative conjunction, belonging to the whole sentence comprised in this and the next verse, which are closely welded together by the particles <span class="greek">μὲν</span> and <span class="greek">δέ</span>. In contravention of God's work of grace just described, they were renouncing their sonship and making themselves slaves afresh. Then (<span class="greek">τότε μέν</span>). The <span class="greek">μέν</span>, with its balancing <span class="greek">δέ</span>, here, as often is the case, unites together sentences not in their main substance strictly adverse to each other, but only in subordinate details contrasted, of which we have an exemplary instance in <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a>, <span class="greek">Κληρονόμους μὲν Θεοῦ συγκληρονόμους δὲ</span> <span class="greek">Ξριστοῦ</span>. In such cases we have often no resource in English but to leave the <span class="greek">μὲν</span> untranslated, as our Authorized Version commonly does; "indeed" or "truly," for example, would be more or less misleading. The truth is, the apostle in these two verses is heaping reproach upon the Galatian Judaizers; first, in this verse, for their former (guilty) ignorance of God and their idolatries, and then, in the next verse, for their slighting that blessed friendship with God which they owed only to his preventing grace. In dealing with Gentile Christians the apostle repeatedly is found referring to their former heathenism, for the purpose of enforcing humility or abashing presumption, as for example in <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-25</a>; <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Romans 15:8, 9</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">1 Corinthians 12:2</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-13, 17</a>. In the case of the Galatians his indignation prompts him to use a degree of outspoken severity which he was generally disposed to forbear employing. The "then" is not defined, as English readers might perhaps misconstrue the Authorized Version as intending, by the following clause, "not knowing God," which in that version is "when ye knew not God" - a construction of the words which the use of the participle would hardly warrant; rather the time referred to by the adverb is the time of which he has before been speaking, when God's people were under the pedagogy of the Law. This, though when compared with Christ's liberty a state of bondage, was, however (the apostle feels), a position of high advancement as compared with that of heathen idolaters. These last were "<span class="accented">far</span> off," while the Israelites were "<span class="accented">nigh"</span> (compare the <span class="accented">passages</span> just now referred to). During that time of legal pedagogy the Galatians and their forefathers, all in the apostle's view forming one class, were wallowing in the mire of heathenism. <span class="cmt_word">When ye knew not</span> <span class="cmt_word">God</span> (<span class="greek_word">ou)k ei)do/te Qeo/n</span>); <span class="accented">ye knew not God and</span>, <span class="accented">etc.</span> "Knowing not God" describes the condition of heathens also in <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:5</a>," Not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles which know not (<span class="greek">τὰ μὴ εἰδότα</span>) God;" <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:8</a>, "Rendering vengeance to them that know not (<span class="greek">τοῖς</span> <span class="greek">μὴ εἰδόσιν</span>) God." Both of these passages favour the view that the apostle does not in the least intend in the present clause to <span class="accented">excuse</span> the idolatries which he goes on to speak of, but rather to describe a condition of godlessness which, as being positive rather than merely negative, inferred utter pravity and guiltiness. He uses <span class="greek">οὐκ</span> with the participle here, in place of the <span class="greek">μὴ</span> in the two <span class="accented">passages c</span>ited from the <span class="accented">Thessalonians</span>, <span class="accented">as</span> intending to state an historical fact viewed absolutely - a sense which is made clear in English by substituting an indicative verb for the participle. <span class="cmt_word">Ye did service unto</span> (<span class="greek">ἐδουλεύσατε</span>); <span class="accented">served</span>; devoted yourselves to. The verb is, perhaps, used here in that milder sense in which it frequently occurs; as in <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a>; <a href="/luke/15-29.htm">Luke 15:29</a>; <a href="/luke/16-13.htm">Luke 16:13</a>; <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Acts 20:19</a>; <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Romans 7:6, 25</a>; <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Romans 14:18</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:9</a>. The Revised Version, however, gives "were in bondage to" in the present instance, but "serve" in the <span class="accented">passages now</span> cited. The aorist, instead of an imperfect, describes the form of religious life which they then led as a whole. <span class="cmt_word">Them which by nature are</span> <span class="cmt_word">no gods</span> (<span class="greek_word">toi = fu/sei mh\ ou = si</span> <span class="greek">θεοῖς</span>). The Textus Receptus has <span class="greek">τοῖς μὴ</span> <span class="greek">φύσει οϋσι θεοῖς</span>, which would apparently mean "which arc not gods by nature, but only in your imagination;" like "There be that are called gods," in <a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm">1 Corinthians 8:5</a> - Zeus, Apollo, Here, etc., mere figments of imagination (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4</a>). The more approved reading suggests rather the idea that the objects they worshipped might not be non-existent, but were certainly not of a Divine nature; "by nature," that is, in the kind of being to which they belong (<a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a>; Wisd. 13:1, <span class="greek">μάταιοι φύσει</span>). The question may be asked - If they were not gods, what then were they? The apostle would probably have answered, "Demons;" for thus he writes to the Corinthians (<a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20</a>): "The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to devils (<span class="greek">δαιμονίοις</span>), and not to God." Alford renders, "to gods which by nature exist not," etc.; but the more obvious sense of <span class="greek">οϋσιν</span> is that of a copula merely (comp. <a href="/2_chronicles/13-9.htm">2 Chronicles 13:9</a>, Septuagint, "He became a priest (<span class="greek">τῷ μὴ ὄντι θεῷ</span>)"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/galatians/4-8.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">Formerly,</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when you did not know</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰδότες</span> <span class="translit">(eidotes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸν</span> <span class="translit">(Theon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you were slaves</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐδουλεύσατε</span> <span class="translit">(edouleusate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1398.htm">Strong's 1398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to those who</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by nature</span><br /><span class="grk">φύσει</span> <span class="translit">(physei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5449.htm">Strong's 5449: </a> </span><span class="str2">From phuo; growth, i.e. natural production; by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖσιν</span> <span class="translit">(ousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</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">gods.</span><br /><span class="grk">θεοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(theois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 4:8 However at that time not knowing God (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 4:9" /></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>