Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Original Language Analysis
Ὅτι
because
G3754
Ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
4 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἐξαπέστειλεν
hath sent forth
G1821
ἐξαπέστειλεν
hath sent forth
Strong's:
G1821
Word #:
5 of 20
to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
11 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
hearts
G2588
καρδίας
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
15 of 20
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
κρᾶζον
crying
G2896
κρᾶζον
crying
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
Cross References
Romans 5:5And 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 8:9But 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 1:19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,Ephesians 2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.2 Corinthians 3:17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.Ephesians 4:30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.Luke 11:13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?Jude 1:20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Historical Context
"Abba" was Jesus's characteristic way of addressing God (Mark 14:36), reflecting unique intimate relationship. Jewish practice typically used more formal address ("Our Father in heaven"). Paul's claim that Gentile Christians could address God as "Abba" through the Spirit was revolutionary. The Spirit's indwelling and testimony wasn't subjective emotionalism but objective evidence of adoption. The presence of the Spirit—producing Christ-like prayer, fruit, and affections—verified sonship.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you experience the Spirit prompting you to pray to God as 'Abba'—intimate, confident, child-like trust?
- How does the Spirit's indwelling presence serve as ongoing assurance of your sonship and acceptance?
- What hinders you from approaching God with the same intimacy and confidence that Jesus had and the Spirit enables?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Paul reveals the evidence of sonship: the indwelling Spirit. "And because ye are sons" (hoti de este huioi)—the causal connection. Sonship precedes and causes Spirit-reception (contra Pentecostal ordo salutis). "God hath sent forth" (exapesteilen ho theos)—same verb as verse 4 for sending the Son. The Father sent both the Son and the Spirit on redemptive mission.
"The Spirit of his Son" (to pneuma tou huiou autou)—the Holy Spirit is identified as the Spirit of the Son, emphasizing Trinitarian unity. "Into your hearts" (eis tas kardias hēmōn)—the Spirit indwells believers' inner being. "Crying, Abba, Father" (krazon, Abba ho patēr). Krazon means crying out, shouting—spontaneous, confident address to God. "Abba" (Ἀββᾶ) is Aramaic for "father," an intimate term (like "daddy" or "papa"). The Spirit enables believers to address God with the same intimate confidence Jesus had. This internal testimony of the Spirit confirms sonship (Romans 8:15-16).