Galatians 4:9

But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches at a moment of spiritual regression, contrasting their former ignorance of God with their present recognition of Him. He confronts them as they abandon their initial faith in the Spirit to adopt ritual calendar observances.

The words — The Greek γνόντες (gnontes, "having known") and γνωσθέντες (gnōsthentes, "having been known") frame the verse, marking the shift from human knowledge of God to divine initiative in knowing believers. Paul uses μᾶλλον (mallon, "rather") to prioritize God's active knowledge over human spiritual achievement.

The thread — The theme of divine knowing runs through 1 Corinthians 8:3, where being known by God is linked to loving God, and mirrors the Spirit-versus-flesh tension in Galatians 3:3. Paul's warning against returning to bondage reflects the broader biblical pattern of God's grace preceding human response.

Why it lands — The text demands a recognition that spiritual maturity begins with God's initiative, not human effort. It asks readers to examine whether they are relying on ritual observance or resting in the grace that first knew them.

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

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?

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 8:3 But the one who loves God is known by God.
Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?
Romans 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
2 Peter 2:20 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.
Exodus 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”
John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.