Galatians 4:4

Commentary on Galatians 4:4 (KJV)

Galatians 4:4 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, underscoring the perfect timing and nature of Christ's redemptive work. It serves as a foundational statement in Paul's argument for salvation by grace through faith, contrasting it with adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Context

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul passionately defends the truth of the Gospel against false teachers, often called Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved. Paul argues that the Law served as a "schoolmaster" (Galatians 3:24) to lead people to Christ, but once faith came, believers were no longer under its guardianship. Galatians 4:1-3 uses an analogy of a child heir who, though rightful owner, remains under guardians until the appointed time. Verse 4 then declares that Christ's arrival marked the end of this period of tutelage under the Law, initiating a new era of sonship and freedom.

Key Themes

• Divine Timing and Sovereignty: The phrase "the fulness of the time was come" highlights God's sovereign and perfect orchestration of history. Christ's birth was not a random event but occurred at a divinely appointed moment when humanity was prepared for His coming, fulfilling prophecies and setting the stage for the New Covenant. This concept of God's perfect timing is also seen in Ephesians 1:10.
• The Incarnation of God's Son: "God sent forth his Son" powerfully affirms the pre-existence and deity of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a prophet or a good man, but the eternal Son of God, dispatched from the Father. The phrase "made of a woman" emphasizes His true humanity, born of Mary, making Him truly one with mankind. This dual nature—fully God and fully man—is essential for His role as Savior, as described in John 1:14.
• Christ's Submission to the Law: "Made under the law" is a crucial point. Christ, though sinless, voluntarily placed Himself under the demands of the Mosaic Law. This was necessary for Him to perfectly fulfill all its requirements and to become the perfect sacrifice, thereby redeeming those who were enslaved by the Law's curse (Galatians 3:13). His submission under the Law enabled Him to abolish its condemning power for believers.

Linguistic Insights

• The Greek phrase for "fulness of the time" is to pleroma tou chronou (τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου), signifying a divinely determined, complete, or "ripe" moment, not merely a passage of time. It speaks to God's precise and ultimate plan.
• "Sent forth" comes from the Greek word exapostello (ἐξαποστέλλω), which implies a deliberate, authoritative mission or dispatch, emphasizing God's purposeful action in sending His Son.
• "Made of a woman" (genomenon ek gunaikos - γενόμενον ἐκ γυναικός) stresses Christ's genuine birth and humanity, essential for His identification with mankind and His ability to redeem.
• "Made under the law" (genomenon hypo nomon - γενόμενον ὑπὸ νόμον) highlights Christ's willing submission to the legal requirements and obligations of the Mosaic Law, which he perfectly obeyed and ultimately fulfilled (Matthew 5:17).

Practical Application

Galatians 4:4 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all of history and our individual lives; His timing is always perfect. We can trust that He works all things according to His wise and benevolent plan. Furthermore, this verse highlights the incredible humility and love of Christ, who, though God, willingly took on human flesh and placed Himself under the Law to redeem us. This means that believers are no longer slaves to the Law or to sin, but through faith in Christ, we have been adopted as sons and daughters of God, inheriting all the blessings of His kingdom. Our salvation is fully accomplished by Him, freeing us to live in grace and spiritual liberty.