Galatians 4:1

Authorized King James Version

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
δέ
G1161
Now
but, and, etc
#3
ἐφ'
G1909
as long as
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
ὅσον
G3745
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#5
χρόνον
G5550
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
#6
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
κληρονόμος
G2818
That the heir
a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor
#8
νήπιός
G3516
a child
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
#9
ἐστιν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#10
οὐδὲν
G3762
nothing
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#11
διαφέρει
G1308
differeth
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
#12
δούλου
G1401
from a servant
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#13
κύριος
G2962
lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
πάντων
G3956
of all
all, any, every, the whole
#15
ὤν
G5607
though he be
being

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection