To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
To {G2443} redeem {G1805} them that were under {G5259} the law {G3551}, that {G2443} we might receive {G618} the adoption of sons {G5206}.
so that he might redeem those in subjection to this legalism and thus enable us to be made God’s sons.
to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
-
Hebrews 9:15
¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. -
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, -
1 Peter 1:18
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; -
1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, -
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; -
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. -
Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Galatians 4:5 is a powerful verse that succinctly explains a core purpose of Christ's coming: to liberate those bound by the demands of the Mosaic Law and elevate them to the privileged status of God's children.
Context
This verse continues Paul's argument in Galatians against those who insisted that Gentile believers needed to adhere to the Mosaic Law (specifically circumcision) to be fully saved or mature Christians. Paul contrasts living "under the law" with the freedom and inheritance believers receive through faith in Christ. He has just used the analogy of a child heir, who, though the rightful owner, is treated like a servant until the time appointed by the father (Galatians 4:1-3). Christ came at the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4) precisely to change this status for those under the Law.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "redeem" is exagorazo (ἐξαγοράζω), which means to "buy out of the marketplace" or "buy out of slavery." It strongly implies a cost was paid to secure freedom from bondage (in this case, the bondage of the Law's requirements and curse). The term "adoption of sons" comes from the Greek word huiothesia (υἱοθεσία), a legal term in the Greco-Roman world signifying the formal act of adopting an individual, granting them the full legal status and inheritance rights of a natural-born son. This was a significant legal and social elevation.
Reflection
Galatians 4:5 assures believers, both Jew and Gentile, that through Christ, they are no longer defined by their inability to keep the Law perfectly. Instead, they are given a new identity and status: they have received the adoption of sons. This means full acceptance, access to God as Father (as mentioned in the following verse, Galatians 4:6), and the promise of an inheritance. It underscores that salvation is not by works of the law, but by God's gracious act in Christ, granting us a relationship with Him as His beloved children and heirs.