Galatians 4:3 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

³ So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the Law of Moses].

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

³ Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

³ So we [Jewish Christians] also, when we were minors, were kept like slaves under [the rules of the Hebrew ritual and subject to] the elementary teachings of a system of external observations and regulations.

American Standard Version (1901)

³ So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world:

Common English Bible

³ In the same way, when we were minors, we were also enslaved by this world’s system.

Catholic Public Domain Version

³ So also we, when we were children, were subservient to the influences of the world.

Galatians 4:3 Cross References

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all of you who are overworked and overburdened and I will give you rest [i.e., spiritual refreshment].

John 8:31

Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed [in Him], “If you people continue [obeying] my message, then you are truly my disciples.

Acts 15:10

Why are you putting God on trial by trying to harness the disciples with a burden [i.e., compliance with the Law of Moses], which neither our forefathers nor we could possibly bear?

Romans 7:14

For we know that the Law of Moses is spiritual [i.e., from the Holy Spirit in origin and character], but I am fleshly, sold as a slave to sin. [Note: “Flesh” throughout this section refers to a person’s natural inclinations to sin].

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [or, a spirit] by adoption [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba” [which means] “Father.”

2 Corinthians 11:20

For you put up with someone, [even] if he enslaves you [i.e., exercises control over your life]; [even] if he takes [unfair] advantage of you; [even] if he acts superior toward you; and [even] if he slaps you in the face.

Galatians 2:4

For [certain] false brothers, who were secretly brought in to observe us practicing our liberty in Christ Jesus [i.e., by not having Titus circumcised], attempted to place us [back] under the bondage [of Mosaic Law keeping].

Galatians 3:19

What then is [the benefit of] the Law of Moses? It was introduced [as part of God’s revelation] in order to define what sin was, until the seed [i.e., Jesus] would come, to whom the promise [of never ending life] was made. The Law of Moses was ordained through [the medium of] angels and [delivered] through the hand of an intermediary [i.e., Moses].

Galatians 4:2

He is [still] under [the direction of] guardians and managers [of his affairs] until the day his father decides [to give him his inheritance].

Galatians 4:24

This set of circumstances contains an illustration; for these two women [Hagar and Sarah] represent the two Agreements [between God and mankind]. The one [Agreement], given at Mount Sinai, represents Hagar, whose children became [the Israelites], enslaved under bondage [to the requirements of the Law of Moses].

Galatians 4:25

Now this woman, Hagar, is similar to Mount Sinai, in Arabia, and represents the present [earthly] Jerusalem [i.e., Israel], consisting of children in bondage [to the Law of Moses].

Galatians 4:31

Therefore, brothers, we [Christians] are not the [spiritual] children of the slave woman [Hagar] but of the free woman [Sarah].

Galatians 4:8

At that time, when you did not know God [as your Father], you were in bondage to those who were, by nature, not really gods at all.

Galatians 4:9

But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the Law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

Colossians 2:20

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]:

Colossians 2:8

Pay attention so that no one takes you [spiritually] captive through his philosophy and empty deception based on human tradition, according to the principles of the world and not according to Christ.

Hebrews 5:12

For certainly enough time has elapsed so that [by now] you ought to be teachers, [but instead] you are in need of having someone teach you again the basic principles of God’s message. You have become people who need “milk” and not “solid food.” [Note: The fundamental truths of Christianity are here figuratively spoken of as “milk,” while the more advanced teaching, such as Christ’s priesthood being like Melchizedek’s, is called “solid food”].

Hebrews 7:16

who was not appointed on the basis of human regulations governing one’s physical ancestry, but on the strength of One whose life never ends.