Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

And {G1161} because {G3754} ye are {G2075} sons {G5207}, God {G2316} hath sent forth {G1821} the Spirit {G4151} of his {G846} Son {G5207} into {G1519} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}, crying {G2896}, Abba {G5}, Father {G3962}.

Now because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of his Son, the Spirit who cries out, “Abba!” (that is, “Dear Father!”).

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Commentary

Galatians 4:6 is a profound verse that encapsulates the incredible transformation in relationship with God that believers experience through faith in Christ. Following Paul's explanation of our adoption as sons and daughters, this verse reveals the powerful evidence and enablement of that new status: the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Context

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul passionately defends the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, contrasting it sharply with the legalistic teachings of false teachers who insisted that Gentile Christians must adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul argues that adherence to the Law leads to slavery, while faith in Christ brings freedom and divine sonship. Chapters 3 and 4 build the case that believers are no longer under the tutor of the Law but have come of age as heirs. Verse 5 speaks of God sending His Son to redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:6 then explains the immediate, tangible consequence of this adoption.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sonship and Adoption: The verse begins with "because ye are sons," reinforcing the truth that believers are no longer strangers or slaves, but legitimate children of God. This status is not earned by works but is a gracious gift from God, received through faith.
  • The Indwelling Holy Spirit: God demonstrates and seals this sonship by sending "the Spirit of his Son into your hearts." The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers is the guarantee of their new identity and inheritance. It signifies a vital, intimate connection with God.
  • Intimacy with God ("Abba, Father"): The Spirit's work is to enable believers to cry out "Abba, Father." This is a deeply personal and affectionate address, signifying a relationship of trust, love, and security, rather than fear or distance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Abba, Father" is particularly significant. Abba is an Aramaic word, the common language spoken by Jews in Jesus' time. It is an intimate term for "Father," akin to "Daddy" or "Papa," used by children in a family setting. The combination with the Greek word for Father (Patēr) emphasizes both the intimacy and the formal recognition of God's paternity. This dual expression underscores the profound shift from a legalistic, fearful relationship with God to one of loving, familial closeness, empowered by the Spirit. This same cry is echoed in Romans 8:15, highlighting its universal truth for believers.

Significance and Application

Galatians 4:6 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today:

  • Assurance of Identity: It confirms that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God as His beloved children, not in our performance or adherence to rules. This brings freedom from the burden of trying to earn God's favor.
  • Empowerment for Intimacy: The Holy Spirit within us does not merely reside but actively enables us to relate to God with the deepest affection and trust. We can approach Him not as a distant judge, but as a loving parent.
  • Proof of Inheritance: As sons and daughters, we are also heirs. The Spirit's presence is a down payment on our full inheritance in Christ, solidifying our future hope and security in God's family.

This verse encourages believers to live in the reality of their sonship, embracing the freedom and intimacy that the Spirit of God's Son provides, and confidently crying out to God as their loving "Abba, Father."

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:15 (29 votes)

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • Romans 8:17 (29 votes)

    ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

  • Romans 5:5 (21 votes)

    And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

  • Romans 8:9 (16 votes)

    But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  • Philippians 1:19 (13 votes)

    For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

  • Ephesians 2:18 (12 votes)

    For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 (12 votes)

    Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.