Bible Strands
Galatians 4:11
I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian believers immediately after condemning their return to observing special days, months, seasons, and years. He speaks as an apostle warning them of potential spiritual loss.
The words — φοβοῦμαι (phoboumai) literally means "I fear," and κεκοπιάκα (kekopiaka) means "I have toiled." The text states these terms to express Paul's direct concern over the outcome of his ministry among them.
The thread — Paul echoes this concern in 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Galatians 2:2, and Philippians 2:16. These references document his repeated fear that his gospel labor might yield no spiritual fruit.
Why it lands — The verse explicitly warns that reverting to ritual observance could nullify the gospel work already accomplished. It requires the reader to evaluate their current spiritual direction against the truth they originally received.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.
- Galatians 2:2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
- Philippians 2:16 as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
- 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
- Isaiah 49:4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”
- Acts 16:6 After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- 2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
- Galatians 4:20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.