Galatians 4:7

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

Wherefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

οὐκέτι

G3765

not yet, no longer

εἶ

G1488

thou art

δοῦλος

G1401

a servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

υἱός

G5207

a son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

υἱός

G5207

a son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#10

καὶ

G2532

then

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

κληρονόμος

G2818

an heir

a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor

#12

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#14

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?