‏ Galatians 4:1-7

1 Now I say that as long as the heir a is a child, he differs in no way from a
slave: The strong Greek word doulos cannot be accurately translated in English by "servant" or "bond servant"; the HCSB translates this word as "slave," not out of insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of modern English speakers, but out of a commitment to accurately convey the brutal reality of the Roman empire's inhumane institution as well as the ownership called for by Christ.
slave, though he is the owner c of everything.
2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces
Or spirits, or principles
of the world. e
4 When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, f born of a woman, g born under the law, 5 to
Red Sea: Literally Sea of Reeds
redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. i
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son j into our
Other mss read your
hearts, crying, “
Abba: The Aramaic word for "father"
Abba
, m Father!” n
7 So you are no longer a slave o but a son, p and if a son, then an heir q through God.

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