Galatians 4:1
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Original Language Analysis
Λέγω
I say
G3004
Λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐφ'
as long as
G1909
ἐφ'
as long as
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
χρόνον
G5550
χρόνον
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
5 of 15
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κληρονόμος
That the heir
G2818
κληρονόμος
That the heir
Strong's:
G2818
Word #:
7 of 15
a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor
νήπιός
a child
G3516
νήπιός
a child
Strong's:
G3516
Word #:
8 of 15
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
10 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
διαφέρει
differeth
G1308
διαφέρει
differeth
Strong's:
G1308
Word #:
11 of 15
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
δούλου
from a servant
G1401
δούλου
from a servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
12 of 15
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
Historical Context
Roman law had elaborate provisions for managing estates when heirs were minors. Guardians (epitropoi) managed property and supervised the child until legal maturity (varying by jurisdiction, often age 14-25). Though legally the heir, the minor had no access to the inheritance and lived under strict supervision. Jewish practice had similar provisions. Paul uses this familiar legal reality to illustrate redemptive-historical progression from law to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you living as a mature heir enjoying your inheritance in Christ, or as a child under restrictive supervision?
- How does recognizing that you're already 'lord of all' in Christ change your sense of spiritual authority and freedom?
- What 'childhood' forms of religion keep you from enjoying the full freedom and responsibility of mature sonship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; Paul continues his argument about sonship and inheritance with a new illustration. "The heir" (ho klēronomos, ὁ κληρονόμος) legally owns the inheritance, but "as long as he is a child" (eph' hoson chronon nēpios estin)—during minority, childhood. The word nēpios (νήπιος) means infant or minor who hasn't reached maturity.
"Differeth nothing from a servant" (ouden diapherei doulou)—functionally indistinguishable from a slave. Both are under supervision, lacking freedom. "Though he be lord of all" (kyrios pantōn ōn)—legally the owner, potentially sovereign over the estate, but practically powerless until maturity. Paul's point: Israel under law was like a child-heir—destined for inheritance but living under restrictive guardianship. The Judaizers wanted to keep believers in this childhood state rather than embracing mature sonship in Christ.