Galatians 4:9

Authorized King James Version

But 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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
νῦν
G3568
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
γνωσθέντες
G1097
after that ye have known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#4
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
μᾶλλον
G3123
rather
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#6
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#7
γνωσθέντες
G1097
after that ye have known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#8
ὑπὸ
G5259
of
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 (
#9
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#10
πῶς
G4459
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#11
ἐπιστρέφετε
G1994
turn ye
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
#12
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
to
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἀσθενῆ
G772
the weak
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
πτωχὰ
G4434
beggarly
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
#18
στοιχεῖα
G4747
elements
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
#19
οἷς
G3739
whereunto
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#20
πάλιν
G3825
again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#21
ἄνωθεν
G509
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
#22
δουλεύειν
G1398
to be in bondage
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
#23
θέλετε
G2309
ye desire
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection