Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Even
G2532
καὶ
Even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νήπιοι
children
G3516
νήπιοι
children
Strong's:
G3516
Word #:
6 of 13
not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 13
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στοιχεῖα
the elements
G4747
στοιχεῖα
the elements
Strong's:
G4747
Word #:
9 of 13
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:Acts 15:10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?Romans 8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.John 8:31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;Galatians 4:25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Historical Context
Pre-Christ, both Jews and Gentiles were under restrictive religious systems. Jews had Mosaic law with its extensive regulations; Gentiles had pagan cult practices with rituals, sacrifices, and taboos. Paul radically levels them: both were elementary, external systems that enslaved. This was offensive to Jews who saw their law as divine revelation superior to paganism. Paul insists both left people as children needing maturity that only comes through Christ and the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- What elementary religious principles or external rules have you been enslaved to that Christ came to free you from?
- How do you recognize when you've drifted from mature faith in Christ back to childhood bondage to religious performance?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity resemble bondage to worldly elements rather than Spirit-empowered freedom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: Paul applies the illustration. "Even so we" (houtōs kai hēmeis)—just like the child-heir. "When we were children" (hote ēmen nēpioi)—in our spiritual minority before Christ. "We" likely includes both Jewish and Gentile believers—both were in spiritual childhood, though differently (Jews under law, Gentiles under pagan religion).
"Were in bondage" (ēmetha dedoulōmenoi, ἤμεθα δεδουλωμένοι)—perfect participle emphasizing enslaved state. "Under the elements of the world" (hypo ta stoicheia tou kosmou) is debated. Stoicheia (στοιχεῖα) can mean "elemental principles," "basic elements" (like earth, air, fire, water), "elementary teachings," or "spiritual powers." Context suggests elementary religious principles—the ABC's of religion, whether Jewish law or pagan ritual. Both systems were "of the world" (tou kosmou)—earthly, external, unable to transform the heart. Both enslaved rather than freed.