


Galatians 4:3
Bible Versions
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
So it is with us — when we were “children” we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe;
So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.
So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world:
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Colossians 2:20
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, -
Galatians 4:9
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? -
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. -
Galatians 2:4
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: -
Galatians 4:31
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. -
Galatians 5:1
¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. -
Acts 15:10
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Galatians 4:3 describes humanity's spiritual state before the full revelation of Christ, likening it to a period of immaturity and servitude. The Apostle Paul employs an analogy of childhood to explain how both Jews under the Mosaic Law and Gentiles under pagan systems were held in a state of spiritual immaturity and bondage, awaiting the liberating work of Jesus Christ.
Context
This verse flows directly from Paul's illustration in Galatians 4:1-2, where he compares an heir who is still a child to a servant, despite being master of all. Just as a child heir is subject to guardians and stewards until the appointed time, humanity, in its spiritual "childhood," was under a form of tutelage. Paul is addressing the Galatian churches, who were being tempted to revert to legalistic practices, particularly adherence to Jewish law, rather than embracing the freedom found in Christ. His argument underscores that returning to such "elements" is a step backward into spiritual immaturity and bondage, away from the glorious liberty of the gospel.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "elements" is stoicheia (στοιχεῖα). This term has several layers of meaning:
Practical Application
Galatians 4:3 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. Just as the Galatians were tempted to return to legalism, Christians can still fall into the trap of relying on external rules, rituals, or human traditions for their spiritual standing, rather than resting in the finished work of Christ. This verse calls us to: