Galatians 4:10
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Original Language Analysis
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
1 of 8
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
παρατηρεῖσθε
Ye observe
G3906
παρατηρεῖσθε
Ye observe
Strong's:
G3906
Word #:
2 of 8
to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The Jewish liturgical calendar was elaborate: weekly Sabbaths, monthly new moons, annual festivals (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles), sabbatical years (every seventh year), jubilee (every fiftieth year). These marked covenant life and commemorated God's redemptive acts. For Christians to observe them as necessary for righteousness was to return to elementary religion and deny Christ's sufficiency. Colossians 2:16-23 addresses similar issues with mystical asceticism and Jewish practices.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you relate to God through anxious observance of religious rules and calendars, or through confident faith in Christ?
- How can you distinguish between voluntary practices that enhance devotion versus obligatory observances that enslave?
- What contemporary Christian practices might parallel the Galatians' calendar observance—appearing spiritual but producing bondage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Paul identifies specific practices proving their drift to law-observance. "Ye observe" (paratēreisthe, παρατηρεῖσθε) means "carefully watch, scrupulously observe"—suggesting anxious compliance. "Days" (hēmeras, ἡμέρας) likely refers to Sabbaths and special holy days. "Months" (mēnas, μῆνας) probably means new moon festivals (Numbers 28:11-14). "Times" (kairous, καιρούς) could be appointed feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). "Years" (eniautous, ἐνιαυτούς) likely sabbatical years and jubilee.
These Mosaic calendar observances, commanded under the old covenant, were shadows pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). To insist on them after Christ's coming treated the shadow as superior to the substance. Paul isn't condemning voluntary observance for cultural reasons (Romans 14:5-6) but observance as necessary for acceptance with God or spiritual maturity. The Galatians were embracing these as requirements for full covenant membership, showing they'd bought the Judaizers' message. Their careful observance revealed anxious works-righteousness, not joyful freedom.