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Galatians 4:2-7

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

Scripture focus

2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:2-7 — 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