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Galatians 4:2

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Galatians 4:2

Verse 2 of 31

Scripture focus

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

Galatians 4:2 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Galatians 4:2

Theological / Devotional

Tutors. Literally, “guardians [of minor children].”

Governors. Or, “household managers,” “stewards,” “trustees.” Paul here stresses the utter dependence of an heir during his minority. He is kept under constant surveillance to prevent him from wasting his inheritance (cf. Luke 15:11-32). In OT times God placed Israel under the guardianship of the legal system, which was intended to point them forward to the coming Messiah and to lead them to have faith in Him (see on Gal. 3:19).

Time appointed. That is, for the receiving of the inheritance, as stipulated by the father. Presumably, this was when the heir reached his majority. Paul here refers to the time when Israel was to have entered into the full enjoyment of its covenant privileges (see Vol. IV, pp. 26-30; see on chs. 3:19, 24; 4:4).

By SdaBc