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</li> <li class="tabItem marginal" data-related-content="studyMarginals" aria-label="marginal"> <span class="icon"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="navigationContents"> <div id="studyDiscover" class="studyPane active tabContent"> <div class="section"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui"><strong>Overview of Galatians</strong></span></h3><div class="summaryOverview"><ul class="content"><li class='scalableui'><div class="overview chapterOnly"> <ul class="outline"><li class="L1 collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><p class="se title"><span class="itemLabel"><strong>C.</strong> </span><strong>A PERSON IS DECLARED RIGHTEOUS ONLY THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST, NOT THROUGH WORKS OF LAW (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/2#h=12:0-24:0"><strong>2:15–4:20</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><span class="icon"></span></div><ul><li class="L2"><p class="s5">If righteousness is through works of law, Christ died for nothing (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/2#h=12:0-13:0">2:15-21</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Works of law versus faith (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/3#h=13:0-16:0">3:1-14</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">The promises to Abraham did not come through the Law (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/3#h=16:0-17:0">3:15-18</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Purpose of the Mosaic Law (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/3#h=17:0-19:0">3:19-25</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">No longer slaves but sons of God (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/3#h=19:0-22:0">3:26–4:7</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">An appeal not to be enslaved to weak and beggarly things again (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4#h=22:0-23:0">4:8-11</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul’s concern for Christians in Galatia (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4#h=23:0-24:0">4:12-20</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L1 collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><p class="se title"><span class="itemLabel"><strong>D.</strong> </span><strong>PAUL EXPLAINS WHAT CHRISTIAN FREEDOM MEANS (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4#h=24:0-37:0"><strong>4:21–6:10</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><span class="icon"></span></div><ul><li class="L2"><p class="s5">A symbolic drama to explain Christian freedom (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4#h=24:0-27:0">4:21–5:1</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Insisting on circumcision does not bring freedom (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/5#h=27:0-29:0">5:2-12</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">The ongoing conflict between flesh and spirit (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/5#h=29:0-34:0">5:13-26</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Fulfilling the law of the Christ by carrying the burdens of one another (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/6#h=34:0-36:0">6:1-6</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Each one will reap what he sows (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/6#h=36:0-37:0">6:7-10</a>)</p></li></ul></li></ul></div> </li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-1" data-section-citation="048004001048004001"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:1</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p125" data-pid="125" class="se"></p> <div id="p126" data-pid="126"><p data-pid="126" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/113/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="126" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/113/0">3/1/2008, p. 21</a></p> </div><p id="p127" data-pid="127" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p44" data-pid="44" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/42/0">w08 3/1 21;</a></p> <p id="p45" data-pid="45" class="sx"></p> <p id="p64" data-pid="64" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/62/0">w68 109;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/62/1"> w62 202;</a><span class="ni"> w33 348</span></p> <p id="p65" data-pid="65" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-2" data-section-citation="048004002048004002"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:2</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p4" data-pid="4" class="s5"><strong>under supervisors and stewards:</strong> In Paul’s day, the arrangement of the guardianship of a minor was well-known. A supervisor could be legally appointed to act as a guardian for a minor and to manage the child’s financial affairs. Stewards, on the other hand, managed the financial affairs of an entire household. In either case, when “the heir [was] a young child,” he might theoretically be “lord” of his inheritance, but he had no more rights over it than a slave did. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/1/0" data-bid="2-1" class="b">Ga 4:1</a>) His life was controlled by others until he reached adulthood. Paul compares such arrangements to the Jews’ being under the Law until the appointed time came when God’s Son released them.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/2/0" data-bid="3-1" class="b">Ga 4:4-7</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p127" data-pid="127" class="se"></p> <div id="p128" data-pid="128"><p data-pid="128" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/114/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="128" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/114/0">3/1/2008, p. 21</a></p> </div><p id="p129" data-pid="129" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p45" data-pid="45" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/43/0">w08 3/1 21;</a></p> <p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="sx"></p> <p id="p65" data-pid="65" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/63/0">w73 581;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/63/2"> w68 109;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/63/3"> w62 202,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/63/4"> 685;</a><span class="ni"> w33 348</span></p> <p id="p66" data-pid="66" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-3" data-section-citation="048004003048004003"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:3</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p6" data-pid="6" class="s5"><strong>the elementary things:</strong> This expression generally means “the rudimentary elements of anything.” For example, it was applied to the individual sounds and letters of the Greek alphabet, the basic components used to form words. Paul uses the expression here and at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/4/0" data-bid="5-1" class="b">Col 2:8,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/4/1" data-bid="5-2" class="b"> 20</a> in a negative sense to refer to the basic principles that guide <strong>the world,</strong> that is, the world of mankind alienated from God. These could include (1) philosophies based on human reasoning and mythology (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/5/0" data-bid="6-1" class="b">Col 2:8</a>), (2) unscriptural Jewish teachings that promoted asceticism and “worship of the angels” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/6/0" data-bid="7-1" class="b">Col 2:18</a>), and (3) the teaching that Christians must observe the Mosaic Law in order to gain salvation (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/7/0" data-bid="8-1" class="b">Ga 4:4–5:4;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/7/1" data-bid="8-2" class="b"> Col 2:16, 17</a>). The Galatian Christians had no need of such “elementary things,” for they had a superior way of worship based on faith in Christ Jesus. Christians were not to be like children who <strong>were enslaved</strong> by the elementary things, voluntarily placing themselves under the Mosaic Law, which Paul likened to a guardian. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/8/0" data-bid="9-1" class="b">Ga 3:23-26</a>) Rather, they were to be like grown sons in a relationship with their Father, God. The Christians certainly should not turn back to the Law or to any of “the weak and beggarly elementary things” promoted by those who were not following Christ.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/9/0" data-bid="10-1" class="b">Ga 4:9</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/99" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-100"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:8, 20-22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-100" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-100" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p129" data-pid="129" class="se"></p> <p id="p130" data-pid="130" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/115/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 1208-1209</a></p> <p id="p131" data-pid="131" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/44/0">it-2 1208-1209;</a></p> <p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="sx"></p> <p id="p66" data-pid="66" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/64/0">w71 415-416;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/64/2"> ad 1673;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/64/3"> w60 416</a></p> <p id="p67" data-pid="67" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-4" data-section-citation="048004004048004004"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:4</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="s5"><strong>the full limit of the time:</strong> Lit., “the fullness of time.” Some Bible translations render this expression “the appropriate time”; “the appointed time.” This verse indicates that Jehovah set a fixed time for his only-begotten Son to come to the earth as the Messiah in fulfillment of God’s promise to raise up an “offspring.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/11/0" data-bid="12-1" class="b">Ge 3:15;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/11/1" data-bid="12-2" class="b"> 49:10</a>) The apostle Peter also refers to a “particular time” or “season” in connection with Christ. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/12/0" data-bid="13-1" class="b">1Pe 1:10-12</a>) The inspired Hebrew Scriptures indicated that there was a specific time for the Messiah to appear. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/13/0" data-bid="14-1" class="b">Da 9:25</a>) When Jesus was born in the year 2 B.C.E., he <strong>was born of a woman,</strong> the Jewish virgin Mary.</p> <p id="p9" data-pid="9" class="s5"><strong>was under law:</strong> During his earthly ministry, Jesus kept the Mosaic Law as one who was born a Jew. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/14/0" data-bid="15-1" class="b">Mt 5:17</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/0/0">study note on Lu 22:20</a>.) The Law was abolished only after his death.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/15/0" data-bid="16-1" class="b">Ro 10:4</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/100" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-101"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-101" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-101" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/101" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-102"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 5:17; Lu 2:21-23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-102" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-102" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p131" data-pid="131" class="se"></p> <div id="p132" data-pid="132"><p data-pid="132" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/116/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="132" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/116/0">9/15/1998, pp. 13-14</a></p> </div><p id="p133" data-pid="133" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/45/0">w98 9/15 13-14;</a></p> <p id="p48" data-pid="48" class="sx"></p> <p id="p67" data-pid="67" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/0">hs 83-86;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/2"> w74 621;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/4"> hu 24;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/6"> w73 580;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/8"> ka 61;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/10"> w72 685;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/12"> g72 11/22 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/65/14"> w65 551;</a><span class="ni"> im 277;</span><span class="ni"> ns 245;</span><span class="ni"> nh 202;</span><span class="ni"> w39 152</span></p> <p id="p68" data-pid="68" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-5" data-section-citation="048004005048004005"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:5</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p11" data-pid="11" class="s5"><strong>release by purchase:</strong> Jesus released by purchase <strong>those under law,</strong> that is, believing Jews. Paul goes on to say “so that we” (apparently referring to all Galatians who have become Christians, both Jews and Gentiles) can “receive the adoption as sons.” The Greek word <em>e·xa·go·raʹzo,</em> here rendered “release by purchase,” is also used at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/17/0" data-bid="18-1" class="b">Ga 3:13</a>, where Paul says: “Christ <em>purchased us, releasing us</em> from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us.”—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/1/0">study note on Ga 3:13</a>.</p> <p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="s5"><strong>the adoption as sons:</strong> In the Christian Greek Scriptures, Paul mentions adoption several times with regard to the new status of those called and chosen by God. Such ones are given the prospect of immortal life in heaven. As descendants of imperfect Adam, they were in slavery to sin and therefore were not born as sons of God. Because of Jesus’ sin-atoning sacrifice, they can receive adoption as sons and become “joint heirs with Christ.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/18/0" data-bid="19-1" class="b">Ro 8:14-17</a>) They themselves do not choose to be adopted as his sons. Rather, God chooses them, according to his will. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/19/0" data-bid="20-1" class="b">Eph 1:5</a>) God acknowledges them as his children, or sons, from the time that he begets them by his spirit. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/20/0" data-bid="21-1" class="b">Joh 1:12, 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/20/1" data-bid="21-2" class="b"> 1Jo 3:1</a>) But they must continue faithful until the end of their life as humans in order to receive the full realization of being adopted as spirit sons of God. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/21/0" data-bid="22-1" class="b">Ro 8:17;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/21/1" data-bid="22-2" class="b"> Re 21:7</a>) That is why Paul says: “We are earnestly waiting for adoption as sons, the release from our bodies by ransom.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/22/0" data-bid="23-1" class="b">Ro 8:23</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/2/0">study note on Ro 8:15</a>.) The concept of adoption was widely known in ancient times. In the Greco-Roman world, adoption was primarily intended for the benefit of the adopter, not of the one being adopted. However, Paul emphasizes that Jehovah has lovingly taken steps for the benefit of those being adopted.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/23/0" data-bid="24-1" class="b">Ga 4:3, 4</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/102" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-103"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 7:23; Ga 3:13</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-103" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-103" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/103" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-104"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 1:12; Ro 8:23; Eph 1:5; 1Jo 3:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-104" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-104" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p133" data-pid="133" class="se"></p> <p id="p134" data-pid="134" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/117/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 51</a></p> <p id="p135" data-pid="135" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p48" data-pid="48" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/46/0">it-1 51;</a></p> <p id="p49" data-pid="49" class="sx"></p> <p id="p68" data-pid="68" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/66/0">hs 117;</a><span class="ni"> im 277;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/66/3"> w64 198;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/66/4"> w63 140;</a><span class="ni"> w39 152;</span><span class="ni"> w34 231</span></p> <p id="p69" data-pid="69" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-6" data-section-citation="048004006048004006"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:6</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="s5"><strong>the spirit of his Son:</strong> Here “spirit” refers to God’s holy spirit, or active force, which God by means of his Son sends into the hearts of Christians when anointing them.—Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/25/0" data-bid="26-1" class="b">Ac 2:33</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/3/0">study note on Ac 16:7</a>.</p> <p id="p15" data-pid="15" class="s5"><strong><em>Abba:</em></strong> A Hebrew or Aramaic word (transliterated into Greek) that occurs three times in the Christian Greek Scriptures. The word literally means “the father” or “O Father” and was an endearing form of address used by a son to a beloved father. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/4/0">study note on Mr 14:36</a>.) Paul uses it here and at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/26/0" data-bid="27-1" class="b">Ro 8:15</a>, both times in connection with Christians called to be spirit-begotten sons of God. Since they had now been adopted as God’s sons, they could address Jehovah with an expression that a slave could not use of his master unless he had received such an adoption. So while anointed Christians are “slaves to God” and are “bought with a price,” they are also sons in the house of a loving Father. Holy spirit makes them clearly aware of this status.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/27/0" data-bid="28-1" class="b">Ro 6:22;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/27/1" data-bid="28-2" class="b"> 1Co 7:23</a>.</p> <p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="s5"><strong>Father:</strong> All three instances of <em>Abba</em> in the Christian Greek Scriptures are followed by the translation <em>ho pa·terʹ</em> in Greek, which literally means “the father” or “O Father.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/104" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-105"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 14:26</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-105" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-105" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/105" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-106"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 5:5</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-106" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-106" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/106" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-107"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-107" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-107" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p135" data-pid="135" class="se"></p> <p id="p136" data-pid="136" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/118/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 13</a></p> <div id="p137" data-pid="137"><p data-pid="137" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/119/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="137" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/119/0">4/1/2009, p. 13</a></p> </div><p id="p138" data-pid="138" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p49" data-pid="49" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/47/0">it-1 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/47/3"> w09 4/1 13;</a></p> <p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"></p> <p id="p69" data-pid="69" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/0">uw 187-188;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/2"> hs 117;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/4"> w75 106;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/6"> ad 12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/7"> w66 477;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/67/8"> w53 249</a></p> <p id="p70" data-pid="70" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-7" data-section-citation="048004007048004007"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:7</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/107" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-108"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:17; Ga 3:29; Eph 1:13, 14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-108" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-108" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p70" data-pid="70" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/68/0">hs 117;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/68/2"> w75 106;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/68/4"> w64 198;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/68/5"> w63 140;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/68/6"> w53 249</a></p> <p id="p71" data-pid="71" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-8" data-section-citation="048004008048004008"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:8</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p138" data-pid="138" class="se"></p> <p id="p139" data-pid="139" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/120/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> p. 474</a></p> <p id="p140" data-pid="140" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/48/0">it-2 474;</a></p> <p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"></p> <p id="p71" data-pid="71" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/69/0">w73 486;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/69/2"> ad 1207</a></p> <p id="p72" data-pid="72" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-9" data-section-citation="048004009048004009"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:9</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p18" data-pid="18" class="s5"><strong>you have come to know God:</strong> Many of the Galatian Christians had “come to know God” through Paul’s preaching. The verb rendered “come to know” and “be known” in this verse may denote a favorable relationship between the person and the one he knows. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/29/0" data-bid="30-1" class="b">1Co 8:3;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/29/1" data-bid="30-2" class="b"> 2Ti 2:19</a>) So “to know God” is not just a matter of knowing basic facts about God. It involves cultivating a personal relationship with him.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/5/0">study note on Joh 17:3</a>.</p> <p id="p19" data-pid="19" class="s5"><strong>or, rather, have come to be known by God:</strong> Using this wording, Paul shows that to “come to know God,” a person must also be recognized as known, or approved, by Him. One lexicon defines the Greek word for “to know; be known” as to “have a personal relationship involving recognition of another’s identity or value.” To enjoy such favorable recognition from God, a person must conduct himself in a way that is in harmony with God’s personality, ways, and dealings.</p> <p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="s5"><strong>beggarly:</strong> Some Galatian Christians were turning back again to the “elementary things” they had formerly practiced. These may have included such things as human philosophies or the idea that Christians should return to keeping the Mosaic Law or at least parts of it. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/30/0" data-bid="31-1" class="b">Col 2:8,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/30/1" data-bid="31-2" class="b"> 16-18,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/30/2" data-bid="31-3" class="b"> 20</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/6/0">study note on Ga 4:3</a>.) Paul describes these “elementary things” as “beggarly,” using a Greek term that literally means “poor, needy.” In a figurative sense, the term could mean “miserable” or “worthless.” Such things were truly “beggarly” in comparison with the spiritual riches obtainable through Christ Jesus.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/108" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-109"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:3; Heb 7:18, 19</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-109" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-109" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/109" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-110"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:20-22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-110" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-110" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p140" data-pid="140" class="se"></p> <div id="p141" data-pid="141"><p data-pid="141" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/121/0"><em>The Watchtower</em> (Study)<em>,</em></a></p><p data-pid="141" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/121/0">7/2018, pp. 8-9</a></p> </div><p id="p142" data-pid="142" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/122/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 279</a></p> <div id="p143" data-pid="143"><p data-pid="143" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/123/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="143" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/123/0">3/15/2013, pp. 13-14</a></p> </div><p id="p144" data-pid="144" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/49/0">w18.07 8-9;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/49/2"> it-1 279;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/49/4"> w13 3/15 13-14;</a></p> <p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"></p> <p id="p72" data-pid="72" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/0">w83 6/15 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/2"> g78 6/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/4"> sl 351;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/6"> g72 11/22 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/8"> ad 208;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/9"> w64 198;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/70/10"> w60 416</a></p> <p id="p73" data-pid="73" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-10" data-section-citation="048004010048004010"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:10</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="s5"><strong>days and months and seasons and years:</strong> Paul here refers to special occasions that God’s people were required to commemorate under the Mosaic Law. For example, there were the Sabbaths and sabbath years (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/32/0" data-bid="33-1" class="b">Ex 20:8-10;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/32/1" data-bid="33-2" class="b"> Le 25:4,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/32/2" data-bid="33-3" class="b"> 8,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/32/3" data-bid="33-4" class="b"> 11</a>), the new moon observances (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/33/0" data-bid="34-1" class="b">Nu 10:10;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/33/1" data-bid="34-2" class="b"> 2Ch 2:4</a>), the annual Day of Atonement (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/34/0" data-bid="35-1" class="b">Le 16:29-31</a>), the Passover (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/35/0" data-bid="36-1" class="b">Ex 12:24-27</a>), the Festival of Unleavened Bread (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/36/0" data-bid="37-1" class="b">Le 23:6</a>), the Festival of Weeks (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/37/0" data-bid="38-1" class="b">Ex 34:22</a>), and the Festival of Booths (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/38/0" data-bid="39-1" class="b">Le 23:34</a>). Each of these events took place at designated times. Some of the Christians in Galatia were formerly under the Mosaic Law and for many years had faithfully observed it. However, on learning of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, they happily accepted its benefits and the freedom from servitude to the Mosaic Law. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/39/0" data-bid="40-1" class="b">Ac 13:38, 39</a>) Paul rightly feared for those who were again becoming enslaved to the Law and who were scrupulously commemorating those special occasions. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/40/0" data-bid="41-1" class="b">Ga 4:11</a>) Likewise, if any Gentiles who became Christians returned to some of the religious observances from their pagan past, this would show a lack of faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/110" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-111"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-111" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-111" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p144" data-pid="144" class="se"></p> <p id="p145" data-pid="145" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/124/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> p. 885</a></p> <p id="p146" data-pid="146" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/50/0">it-2 885;</a></p> <p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"></p> <p id="p73" data-pid="73" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/71/0">g78 6/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/71/2"> g72 11/22 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/71/4"> ad 1463;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/71/5"> w64 198-199;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/71/6"> w63 247;</a><span class="ni"> g63 2/22 28</span></p> <p id="p74" data-pid="74" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-11" data-section-citation="048004011048004011"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:11</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p74" data-pid="74" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/72/0">g72 11/22 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/72/2"> w64 198</a></p> <p id="p75" data-pid="75" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-12" data-section-citation="048004012048004012"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:12</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/111" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-112"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 1:14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-112" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-112" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-13" data-section-citation="048004013048004013"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:13</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="s5"><strong>because of a physical illness:</strong> Paul might have suffered from an affliction of the eyes. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/42/0" data-bid="43-1" class="b">Ga 4:15;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/42/1" data-bid="43-2" class="b"> 6:11</a>; compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/43/0" data-bid="44-1" class="b">Ac 23:1-5</a>.) Whatever the health problem referred to here, it led in some way to Paul’s <strong>first opportunity</strong> to declare the good news in Galatia. This may have been about 47-48 C.E., during his first missionary tour. It was then that he and Barnabas traveled into Galatia, there visiting the cities of Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/44/0" data-bid="45-1" class="b">Ac 13:14,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/44/1" data-bid="45-2" class="b"> 51;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/44/2" data-bid="45-3" class="b"> 14:6,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/44/3" data-bid="45-4" class="b"> 21</a>) Later, about 49 C.E., prior to writing this letter, Paul revisited those cities in Galatia.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/45/0" data-bid="46-1" class="b">Ac 15:40–16:1</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p146" data-pid="146" class="se"></p> <p id="p147" data-pid="147" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/125/0"><em>Bearing Witness,</em> p. 89</a></p> <p id="p148" data-pid="148" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/126/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 880</a></p> <p id="p149" data-pid="149" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/51/0">bt 89;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/51/3"> it-1 880;</a></p> <p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"></p> <p id="p75" data-pid="75" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/73/0">ad 615</a></p> <p id="p76" data-pid="76" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-14" data-section-citation="048004014048004014"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:14</span></h3><div class="group footnote"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Footnotes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-6"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p47" data-pid="47">Or “temptation.” Lit., “testing.”</p> </span></li><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-7"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p48" data-pid="48">Or “spit at me.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p149" data-pid="149" class="se"></p> <div id="p150" data-pid="150"><p data-pid="150" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/127/0"><em>Awake!,</em></a></p><p data-pid="150" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/127/0">6/8/1993, p. 13</a></p> </div><p id="p151" data-pid="151" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/52/0">g93 6/8 13</a></p> <p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-15" data-section-citation="048004015048004015"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:15</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="s5"><strong>you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me:</strong> Paul uses a common figure of speech to emphasize how much affection the Galatians had for him. They would have been willing to sacrifice anything in his behalf, even something as precious as their eyesight. His use of this expression was especially appropriate if he suffered from a chronic eye affliction, which may have been the “physical illness” he had just mentioned.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/47/0" data-bid="48-1" class="b">Ga 4:13, 14</a>; see also <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/48/0" data-bid="49-1" class="b">Ac 23:2-5;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/48/1" data-bid="49-2" class="b"> 2Co 12:7-9;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/48/2" data-bid="49-3" class="b"> Ga 6:11</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/112" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-113"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 23:5; Ga 6:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-113" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-113" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p76" data-pid="76" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/74/0">w74 575;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/74/2"> w73 254;</a><span class="ni"> g58 9/8 25;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/74/5"> w51 271</a></p> <p id="p77" data-pid="77" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-16" data-section-citation="048004016048004016"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:16</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p151" data-pid="151" class="se"></p> <div id="p152" data-pid="152"><p data-pid="152" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/128/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="152" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/128/0">6/15/2001, p. 32</a></p> </div><p id="p153" data-pid="153" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/53/0">w01 6/15 32</a></p> <p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-19" data-section-citation="048004019048004019"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:19</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p28" data-pid="28" class="s5"><strong>my little children:</strong> In this verse, Paul compares himself to a mother and the Christians in Galatia to his children. Regarding them, he says: <strong>for whom I am again experiencing birth pains.</strong> Paul is apparently referring to his deep interest in the Galatian believers and his fervent desire to see them develop fully as Christians. Although some ancient manuscripts use the Greek word for “child” (<em>teʹknon</em>) here, other authoritative manuscripts use the diminutive form (<em>te·kniʹon</em>) of this word. Therefore, the <em>New World Translation</em> uses the expression “little children.” In the Christian Greek Scriptures, a diminutive is often used to indicate affection and familiarity, so this Greek word could also be rendered “dear children” or “beloved children.”—See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/7/0">Diminutive</a>.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group footnote"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Footnotes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-8"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p49" data-pid="49">Or “takes shape.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/113" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-114"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 4:15; 1Th 2:11; Phm 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-114" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-114" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p153" data-pid="153" class="se"></p> <p id="p154" data-pid="154" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/129/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 675-676</a></p> <p id="p155" data-pid="155" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/54/0">it-2 675-676</a></p> <p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-20" data-section-citation="048004020048004020"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:20</span></h3><div class="group footnote"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Footnotes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-9"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p50" data-pid="50">Or possibly, “and change my tone of voice.” Lit., “and change my voice.”</p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-21" data-section-citation="048004021048004021"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:21</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/114" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-115"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 5:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-115" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-115" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-22" data-section-citation="048004022048004022"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:22</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p30" data-pid="30" class="s5"><strong>the free woman:</strong> This term is used with reference to Abraham’s wife, Sarah, and “the Jerusalem above.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/51/0" data-bid="52-1" class="b">Ga 4:26</a>) Paul compares the enslaved Jerusalem of his day with <strong>the servant girl</strong> Hagar. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/52/0" data-bid="53-1" class="b">Ga 4:25</a>) The nation of Israel, with its capital Jerusalem, could not be called a free woman because the Law did not give it that status. Rather, the Law showed that the Israelites were subject to sin, hence they were slaves. In contrast, God’s figurative wife, the Jerusalem above, has always been, like Sarah, a free woman. Those who become “children . . . of the free woman” have been set free by the Son of God from the bondage of sin and the Mosaic Law.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/53/0" data-bid="54-1" class="b">Ga 4:31;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/53/1" data-bid="54-2" class="b"> 5:1</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/8/0">study note;</a> <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/54/0" data-bid="55-1" class="b">Joh 8:34-36</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/115" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-116"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 16:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-116" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-116" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/116" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-117"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-117" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-117" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p155" data-pid="155" class="se"></p> <p id="p156" data-pid="156" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/130/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 496,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/131/0"> 872</a></p> <div id="p157" data-pid="157"><p data-pid="157" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/132/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="157" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/132/0">3/15/1992, p. 14</a></p> </div><p id="p158" data-pid="158" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/55/0">it-1 496,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/55/2"> 872;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/55/4"> w92 3/15 14;</a></p> <p id="p58" data-pid="58" class="sx"></p> <p id="p77" data-pid="77" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/75/0">sl 93</a></p> <p id="p78" data-pid="78" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-23" data-section-citation="048004023048004023"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:23</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p32" data-pid="32" class="s5"><strong>through natural descent:</strong> Lit., “according to the flesh.”—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/9/0">study note on Ro 1:3</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/117" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-118"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 16:1, 2</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-118" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-118" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/118" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-119"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 17:15, 16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-119" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-119" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p78" data-pid="78" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/76/0">sl 93;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/76/2"> w63 715;</a><span class="ni"> w43 263;</span><span class="ni"> w31 324</span></p> <p id="p79" data-pid="79" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-24" data-section-citation="048004024048004024"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:24</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p34" data-pid="34" class="s5"><strong>taken as a symbolic drama:</strong> Or “considered as an allegory.” Here Paul uses an allegory, that is, a narrative in which people, objects, and events serve as symbols of other things. In this symbolic drama, based on <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/57/0" data-bid="58-1" class="b">Genesis 16 through 21</a>, Paul contrasts “the free woman” (Sarah) with “the servant girl” (Hagar).—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/58/0" data-bid="59-1" class="b">Ga 4:22–5:1</a>; see Media Gallery, “<a class="it" href="/en/wol/tc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/0">Two Women in a Symbolic Drama</a>.”</p> <p id="p35" data-pid="35" class="s5"><strong>these women mean two covenants:</strong> These covenants were apparently the Mosaic Law covenant and the Abrahamic covenant. Hagar and Sarah themselves are not these covenants. In the prophetic drama, however, they correspond to different aspects of God’s relationship with his people—the Law covenant involving figurative slavery and the Abrahamic covenant leading to true freedom.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group media"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Media</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="scalableui item"><div class="clearfix"><a class="galleryItem" href="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/1001072245#chapter=4"><img class="studyItemMedia" src="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/1001072245/thumbnail" data-img-large-src="/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/2024/878" ><span class="caption"><p>Two Women in a Symbolic Drama</p> </span></a><span class="altcaption">Galatians 4:24, 25</span></div></li><li class="scalableui item"><div class="clearfix"><a class="galleryItem" href="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/1001072248#chapter=4"><img class="studyItemMedia" src="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/1001072248/thumbnail" data-img-large-src="/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/2024/884" ><span class="caption"><p>Mount Sinai</p> </span></a></div></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/119" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-120"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 19:20; 24:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-120" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-120" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p158" data-pid="158" class="se"></p> <p id="p159" data-pid="159" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/133/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 496,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/134/0"> 1018,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/135/0"> 1175</a></p> <p id="p160" data-pid="160" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/136/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 693-694</a></p> <div id="p161" data-pid="161"><p data-pid="161" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/137/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="161" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/137/0">10/15/2014, p. 10</a></p><p data-pid="161" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/138/0">3/15/1992, p. 14</a></p> </div><p id="p162" data-pid="162" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/139/0"><em>“All Scripture,”</em> p. 18</a></p> <p id="p163" data-pid="163" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/140/0"><em>Worldwide Security,</em> pp. 75-80</a></p> <p id="p164" data-pid="164" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p58" data-pid="58" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/0">it-1 496,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/2"> 1018,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/4"> 1175;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/6"> it-2 693-694;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/8"> w14 10/15 10;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/10"> w92 3/15 14;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/12"> si 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/56/14"> ws 75-80;</a></p> <p id="p59" data-pid="59" class="sx"></p> <p id="p79" data-pid="79" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/0">w85 3/15 11-12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/2"> sl 93;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/4"> ad 813,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/5"> 1346;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/7"> w64 198;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/8"> w63 175;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/77/9"> w55 223;</a><span class="ni"> w43 263;</span><span class="ni"> w31 324</span></p> <p id="p80" data-pid="80" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-25" data-section-citation="048004025048004025"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:25</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/120" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-121"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 19:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-121" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-121" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p164" data-pid="164" class="se"></p> <p id="p165" data-pid="165" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/141/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/142/0"> 1018</a></p> <div id="p166" data-pid="166"><p data-pid="166" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/143/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="166" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/143/0">3/15/1992, pp. 14-15</a></p> </div><p id="p167" data-pid="167" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/144/0"><em>“All Scripture,”</em> pp. 18,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/145/0"> 219-220</a></p> <p id="p168" data-pid="168" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p59" data-pid="59" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/57/0">it-1 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/57/2"> 1018;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/57/4"> w92 3/15 14-15;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/57/6"> si 18,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/57/8"> 220;</a></p> <p id="p60" data-pid="60" class="sx"></p> <p id="p80" data-pid="80" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/0">w85 3/15 12-14;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/3"> w85 9/15 31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/5"> w83 8/1 22-23;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/7"> w76 538;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/10"> ad 609;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/11"> w66 89,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/12"> 682;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/14"> w65 242,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/15"> 720;</a><span class="ni"> g65 6/8 27;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/17"> w64 75,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/18"> 198,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/19"> 649;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/20"> w63 175;</a><span class="ni"> bf 433;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/22"> w56 526;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/78/23"> w55 223;</a><span class="ni"> nh 140;</span><span class="ni"> rm 248;</span><span class="ni"> w46 214;</span><span class="ni"> fd 19;</span><span class="ni"> w34 102;</span><span class="ni"> w31 324</span></p> <p id="p81" data-pid="81" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-26" data-section-citation="048004026048004026"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:26</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p168" data-pid="168" class="se"></p> <p id="p169" data-pid="169" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/146/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 521-522,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/147/0"> 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/148/0"> 1018</a></p> <p id="p170" data-pid="170" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/149/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 49,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/150/0"> 675-676,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/151/0"> 889,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/152/0"> 1198</a></p> <div id="p171" data-pid="171"><p data-pid="171" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/153/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="171" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/153/0">3/15/2015, p. 17</a></p><p data-pid="171" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/154/0">3/15/1992, pp. 14-15</a></p> </div><p id="p172" data-pid="172" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/155/0"><em>Revelation Climax,</em> p. 178</a></p> <p id="p173" data-pid="173" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/156/0"><em>Isaiah’s Prophecy II,</em> p. 216</a></p> <p id="p174" data-pid="174" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/157/0"><em>“All Scripture,”</em> pp. 18,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/158/0"> 219-220</a></p> <p id="p175" data-pid="175" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/159/0"><em>Live Forever,</em> p. 117</a></p> <p id="p176" data-pid="176" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/160/0"><em>Worldwide Security,</em> pp. 76-78,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/161/0"> 90-92</a></p> <p id="p177" data-pid="177" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p60" data-pid="60" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/0">it-1 521-522,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/2"> 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/4"> 1018;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/6"> it-2 49,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/8"> 675,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/10"> 889,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/12"> 1198;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/14"> w15 3/15 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/17"> re 178;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/19"> ip-2 216;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/21"> w92 3/15 14-15;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/23"> si 18,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/25"> 220;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/27"> pe 117;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/29"> ws 77-78,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/58/32"> 90-92;</a></p> <p id="p61" data-pid="61" class="sx"></p> <p id="p81" data-pid="81" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/0">w85 3/15 11-14,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/4"> 18-19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/6"> w85 10/15 30-31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/9"> su 25;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/11"> w83 3/15 23-24;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/13"> w83 8/1 22-23;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/15"> w82 9/15 12-13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/17"> w81 7/15 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/19"> w80 7/15 25;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/21"> w76 539;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/23"> sl 92-93;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/26"> ts 127;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/28"> w73 141;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/30"> ad 609,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/31"> 915;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/33"> w65 242;</a><span class="ni"> g65 6/8 27;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/35"> w64 649;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/36"> w63 175,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/37"> 715;</a><span class="ni"> bf 351,</span><span class="ni"> 433;</span><span class="ni"> g63 1/8 28;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/41"> w62 47,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/42"> 478;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/43"> w57 275;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/44"> w55 223;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/45"> w53 277;</a><span class="ni"> nh 166,</span><span class="ni"> 230;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/48"> w52 251;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/49"> w51 597;</a><span class="ni"> rm 243;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/79/51"> w50 326;</a><span class="ni"> ko 23;</span><span class="ni"> w47 362;</span><span class="ni"> w46 20;</span><span class="ni"> ki 290;</span><span class="ni"> tf 181;</span><span class="ni"> fd 19;</span><span class="ni"> w42 107;</span><span class="ni"> w34 152;</span><span class="ni"> jh 228;</span><span class="ni"> w31 323-324</span></p> <p id="p82" data-pid="82" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-27" data-section-citation="048004027048004027"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:27</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/121" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-122"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 54:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-122" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-122" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p177" data-pid="177" class="se"></p> <p id="p178" data-pid="178" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/162/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 258</a></p> <p id="p179" data-pid="179" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/163/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 675-676</a></p> <div id="p180" data-pid="180"><p data-pid="180" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/164/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="180" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/164/0">3/15/2006, p. 11</a></p><p data-pid="180" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/165/0">8/1/1995, p. 11</a></p> </div><p id="p181" data-pid="181" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p61" data-pid="61" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/59/0">it-1 258;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/59/2"> it-2 675;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/59/4"> w06 3/15 11;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/59/6"> w95 8/1 11;</a></p> <p id="p62" data-pid="62" class="sx"></p> <p id="p82" data-pid="82" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/0">w85 3/15 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/3"> w83 3/15 23-24;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/5"> w81 5/1 22-23;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/7"> sl 92-93;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><span class="ni"> g65 6/8 27;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/12"> w63 55,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/13"> 175,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/14"> 716;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/15"> w55 223;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/16"> w53 277;</a><span class="ni"> nh 166;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/80/18"> w50 326;</a><span class="ni"> w44 39;</span><span class="ni"> w31 323</span></p> <p id="p83" data-pid="83" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-28" data-section-citation="048004028048004028"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:28</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/122" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-123"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 9:8; Ga 3:29</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-123" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-123" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p83" data-pid="83" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/81/0">w85 3/15 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/81/4"> w80 7/15 25;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/81/7"> w65 687;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/81/8"> w63 716;</a><span class="ni"> tf 181</span></p> <p id="p84" data-pid="84" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-29" data-section-citation="048004029048004029"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:29</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p37" data-pid="37" class="s5"><strong>through natural descent:</strong> Lit., “according to the flesh.”—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/10/0">study note on Ro 1:3</a>.</p> <p id="p38" data-pid="38" class="s5"><strong>began persecuting:</strong> Paul here refers to <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/60/0" data-bid="61-1" class="b">Ge 21:9</a>, where the account says that Ishmael “was mocking Isaac.” Ishmael was <strong>the one born through natural descent.</strong> Isaac is called <strong>the one born through spirit</strong> because Jehovah used His holy spirit to revive the reproductive powers of Abraham and Sarah in order to fulfill His promise. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/61/0" data-bid="62-1" class="b">Ge 12:3;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/61/1" data-bid="62-2" class="b"> 13:14-16;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/61/2" data-bid="62-3" class="b"> 17:7-9,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/61/3" data-bid="62-4" class="b"> 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/61/4" data-bid="62-5" class="b"> Ga 4:28</a>) In relating the part of the “symbolic drama” where Ishmael was persecuting Isaac (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/62/0" data-bid="63-1" class="b">Ga 4:24</a>), Paul made a connection to his day by saying <strong>so also now;</strong> he explains that Jesus’ spirit-anointed followers, “children of the promise” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070766/63/0" data-bid="64-1" class="b">Ga 4:28</a>), were being persecuted by natural Jews, who viewed themselves as Abraham’s legitimate heirs.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/123" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-124"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:9</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-124" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-124" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/124" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-125"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 5:11; 2Ti 3:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-125" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-125" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p181" data-pid="181" class="se"></p> <p id="p182" data-pid="182" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/166/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 460-461,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/167/0"> 776,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/168/0"> 1018,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/169/0"> 1225</a></p> <p id="p183" data-pid="183" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/170/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 807,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/171/0"> 1020-1021</a></p> <div id="p184" data-pid="184"><p data-pid="184" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/172/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="184" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/172/0">3/15/2006, pp. 11-12</a></p><p data-pid="184" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/173/0">8/15/2001, p. 26</a></p><p data-pid="184" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/174/0">7/1/1989, p. 21</a></p> </div><p id="p185" data-pid="185" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/175/0"><em>“All Scripture,”</em> p. 18</a></p> <p id="p186" data-pid="186" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p62" data-pid="62" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/0">it-1 461,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/2"> 776,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/4"> 1018,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/6"> 1225;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/8"> it-2 807,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/10"> 1021;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/12"> w06 3/15 11-12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/14"> w01 8/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/16"> si 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/19"> w89 7/1 21;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/60/21"> yp 151;</a></p> <p id="p63" data-pid="63" class="sx"></p> <p id="p84" data-pid="84" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/82/0">w85 3/15 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/82/3"> w80 12/15 8-9;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/82/5"> ad 541,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/82/6"> 1410,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/82/7"> 1544;</a><span class="ni"> w44 196</span></p> <p id="p85" data-pid="85" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-30" data-section-citation="048004030048004030"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:30</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/125" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-126"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-126" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-126" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p186" data-pid="186" class="se"></p> <p id="p187" data-pid="187" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/176/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/177/0"> 1018</a></p> <div id="p188" data-pid="188"><p data-pid="188" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/178/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="188" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/178/0">7/1/1989, p. 21</a></p> </div><p id="p189" data-pid="189" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p63" data-pid="63" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/61/0">it-1 872,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/61/2"> 1018;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/61/4"> w89 7/1 21;</a></p> <p id="p64" data-pid="64" class="sx"></p> <p id="p85" data-pid="85" class="sx"><span class="ni">g68 11/22 28;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/83/1"> w64 198</a></p> <p id="p86" data-pid="86" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="48-4-31" data-section-citation="048004031048004031"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Galatians 4:31</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p189" data-pid="189" class="se"></p> <p id="p190" data-pid="190" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/179/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 872</a></p> <div id="p191" data-pid="191"><p data-pid="191" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/180/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="191" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204438/180/0">3/15/2015, p. 17</a></p> </div><p id="p192" data-pid="192" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p64" data-pid="64" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/62/0">it-1 872;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270048/62/2"> w15 3/15 17;</a></p> <p id="p65" data-pid="65" class="sx"></p> <p id="p86" data-pid="86" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/84/0">w80 7/15 25;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/84/2"> w66 718;</a><span class="ni"> li 72;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/84/4"> w64 75;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020048/84/5"> w63 716;</a><span class="ni"> nh 230;</span><span class="ni"> ki 290;</span><span class="ni"> w43 265;</span><span class="ni"> tf 181;</span><span class="ni"> fd 19</span></p> <p id="p87" data-pid="87" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div> </div> <div id="studyParallel" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section"> <h3 class="title">Parallel Translations</h3> <div class="helpText">Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.</div> <div class="parallel"> <div class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div> <div class="extract"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="studyMarginals" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section marginalsQuotation"><h3 class="title"><span class="sectionIcon"></span><span class="scalableui">Quotation</span></h3><div class="content categorizedMarginal"><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/121/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-122-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:27</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 54:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-122-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-122-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/125/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-126-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:30</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-126-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-126-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="section marginalsGeneral"><h3 class="title"><span class="sectionIcon"></span><span class="scalableui">General</span></h3><div class="content categorizedMarginal"><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/99/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:3</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:8, 20-22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/100/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:4</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/101/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:4</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 5:17; Lu 2:21-23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/102/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:5</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 7:23; Ga 3:13</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/103/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-104-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:5</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 1:12; Ro 8:23; Eph 1:5; 1Jo 3:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-104-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-104-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/104/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-105-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:6</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 14:26</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-105-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-105-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/105/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-106-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:6</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 5:5</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-106-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-106-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/106/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-107-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:6</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-107-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-107-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/107/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-108-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:7</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:17; Ga 3:29; Eph 1:13, 14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-108-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-108-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/108/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-109-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:9</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 8:3; Heb 7:18, 19</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-109-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-109-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/109/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-110-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:9</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:20-22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-110-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-110-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/110/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-111-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:10</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Col 2:16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-111-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-111-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/111/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-112-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 1:14</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-112-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-112-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/112/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-113-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 23:5; Ga 6:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-113-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-113-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/113/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-114-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:19</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 4:15; 1Th 2:11; Phm 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-114-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-114-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/114/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-115-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:21</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 5:1</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-115-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-115-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/115/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-116-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:22</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 16:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-116-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-116-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/116/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-117-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:22</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-117-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-117-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/117/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-118-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:23</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 16:1, 2</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-118-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-118-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/118/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-119-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:23</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 17:15, 16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-119-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-119-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/119/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-120-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:24</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 19:20; 24:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-120-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-120-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/120/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-121-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:25</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 19:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-121-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-121-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/122/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-123-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:28</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 9:8; Ga 3:29</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-123-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-123-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/123/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-124-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:29</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 21:9</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-124-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-124-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/48/4/124/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-125-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Gal. 4:29</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ga 5:11; 2Ti 3:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-125-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-125-1" 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</a>Now I say that as long as the heir is a young child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the lord of all things, </span><span id="v48-4-2-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29225" class="vl vx vp study">2 </a>but he is under supervisors and stewards until the day set ahead of time by his father. </span><span id="v48-4-3-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29226" class="vl vx vp study">3 </a>Likewise, we too, when we were children, were enslaved by the elementary things of the world.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/99" data-bid="100-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-4-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29227" class="vl vx vp study">4 </a>But when the full limit of the time arrived, God sent his Son, who was born of a woman<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/100" data-bid="101-1" class="b">+</a> and who was under law,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/101" data-bid="102-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-5-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29228" class="vl vx vp study">5 </a>that he might release by purchase those under law,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/102" data-bid="103-1" class="b">+</a> so that we might receive the adoption as sons.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/103" data-bid="104-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p21" data-pid="21" class="sb"><span id="v48-4-6-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29229" class="vl vx vp study">6 </a>Now because you are sons, God has sent the spirit<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/104" data-bid="105-1" class="b">+</a> of his Son into our hearts,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/105" data-bid="106-1" class="b">+</a> and it cries out: <em>“Abba,</em> Father!”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/106" data-bid="107-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-7-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29230" class="vl vx vp">7 </a>So you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, then you are also an heir through God.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/107" data-bid="108-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="sb"><span id="v48-4-8-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29231" class="vl vx vp">8 </a>Nevertheless, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those who are not really gods. </span><span id="v48-4-9-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29232" class="vl vx vp study">9 </a>But now that you have come to know God or, rather, have come to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/108" data-bid="109-1" class="b">+</a> and beggarly elementary things and want to slave for them over again?<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/109" data-bid="110-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-10-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29233" class="vl vx vp study">10 </a>You are scrupulously observing days and months<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/110" data-bid="111-1" class="b">+</a> and seasons and years. </span><span id="v48-4-11-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29234" class="vl vx vp">11 </a>I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.</span></p> <p id="p23" data-pid="23" class="sb"><span id="v48-4-12-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29235" class="vl vp">12 </a>Brothers, I beg you, become as I am, because I also used to be as you are.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/111" data-bid="112-1" class="b">+</a> You did me no wrong. </span><span id="v48-4-13-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29236" class="vl vx vp study">13 </a>But you know that it was because of a physical illness that I had my first opportunity to declare the good news to you. </span><span id="v48-4-14-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29237" class="vl vx vp">14 </a>And though my physical condition was a trial<a id="footnotesource6" data-fnid="6" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070152/5">*</a> for you, you did not treat me with contempt or disgust;<a id="footnotesource7" data-fnid="7" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070152/6">*</a> but you received me like an angel of God, like Christ Jesus. </span><span id="v48-4-15-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29238" class="vl vx vp study">15 </a>Where is that happiness you had? For I bear you witness that, if it had been possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/112" data-bid="113-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-16-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29239" class="vl vx vp">16 </a>So, then, have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth? </span><span id="v48-4-17-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29240" class="vl vp">17 </a>They are zealous to win you over, but not for a good purpose; they want to alienate you from me, so that you may be eager to follow them. </span><span id="v48-4-18-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29241" class="vl vp">18 </a>However, it is always fine for someone to seek zealously after you for a good purpose and not just when I am present with you, </span><span id="v48-4-19-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29242" class="vl vx vp study">19 </a>my little children,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/113" data-bid="114-1" class="b">+</a> for whom I am again experiencing birth pains until Christ is formed<a id="footnotesource8" data-fnid="8" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070152/7">*</a> in you. </span><span id="v48-4-20-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29243" class="vl vp">20 </a>I wish I could be present with you just now and speak in a different way,<a id="footnotesource9" data-fnid="9" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070152/8">*</a> because I am perplexed over you.</span></p> <p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="sb"><span id="v48-4-21-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29244" class="vl vp">21 </a>Tell me, you who want to be under law,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/114" data-bid="115-1" class="b">+</a> Do you not hear the Law? </span><span id="v48-4-22-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29245" class="vl vx vp study">22 </a>For example, it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant girl<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/115" data-bid="116-1" class="b">+</a> and one by the free woman;<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/116" data-bid="117-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-23-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29246" class="vl vx vp study">23 </a>but the one by the servant girl was actually born through natural descent<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/117" data-bid="118-1" class="b">+</a> and the other by the free woman through a promise.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/118" data-bid="119-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-24-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29247" class="vl vx vp study">24 </a>These things may be taken as a symbolic drama; for these women mean two covenants, the one from Mount Siʹnai,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/119" data-bid="120-1" class="b">+</a> which bears children for slavery and which is Haʹgar. </span><span id="v48-4-25-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29248" class="vl vx vp">25 </a>Now Haʹgar means Siʹnai,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/120" data-bid="121-1" class="b">+</a> a mountain in Arabia, and she corresponds with the Jerusalem today, for she is in slavery with her children. </span><span id="v48-4-26-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29249" class="vl vx vp">26 </a>But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.</span></p> <p id="p25" data-pid="25" class="sb"><span id="v48-4-27-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29250" class="vl vx vp">27 </a>For it is written: “Be glad, you barren woman who does not give birth; break into joyful shouting, you woman who does not have birth pains; for the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of her who has the husband.”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/121" data-bid="122-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-28-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29251" class="vl vx vp">28 </a>Now you, brothers, are children of the promise the same as Isaac was.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/122" data-bid="123-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-29-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29252" class="vl vx vp study">29 </a>But just as then the one born through natural descent began persecuting the one born through spirit,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/123" data-bid="124-1" class="b">+</a> so also now.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/124" data-bid="125-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-30-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29253" class="vl vx vp">30 </a>Nevertheless, what does the scripture say? “Drive out the servant girl and her son, for the son of the servant girl will by no means be an heir with the son of the free woman.”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070152/125" data-bid="126-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v48-4-31-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070152/29254" class="vl vx vp">31 </a>So, brothers, we are children, not of a servant girl, but of the free woman.</span></p>  <div class="pswp" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="pswp__bg"></div> <div class="pswp__scroll-wrap">  <div class="pswp__container"> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> </div> <div class="pswp__ui pswp__ui--hidden"> <div class="pswp__top-bar"> <div class="pswp__counter"></div> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--close" title="Close (Esc)"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--fs" title="Toggle fullscreen"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--zoom" title="Zoom in/out"></button> <div class="pswp__preloader"> <div class="pswp__preloader__icn"> <div class="pswp__preloader__cut"> <div class="pswp__preloader__donut"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pswp__share-modal pswp__share-modal--hidden pswp__single-tap"> <div class="pswp__share-tooltip"></div> </div> <button 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