Galatians 4:9 “But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that…”

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

Other translations

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?

World English Bible

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?

American Standard Version

but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?

Geneva Bible 1599

But now seeing ye knowe God, yea, rather are knowen of God, howe turne ye againe vnto impotent and beggerly rudiments, whereunto as from the beginning ye wil be in bondage againe?

Darby Translation

but now, knowing God, but rather being known by God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly principles to which ye desire to be again anew in bondage?

Young's Literal Translation

and now, having known God — and rather being known by God — how turn ye again unto the weak and poor elements to which anew ye desire to be in servitude?

Bible in Basic English

But now that you have come to have knowledge of God, or more truly, God has knowledge of you, how is it that you go back again to the poor and feeble first things, desiring to be servants to them again?

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Cross references

“ye have”

1 John 5:20 1 Chronicles 28:9 2 Peter 2:20 John 17:3 2 Corinthians 4:6 Ephesians 1:17

1 John 5:20 · BSB

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 · BSB

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 fou…

2 Peter 2:20 · BSB

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.

John 17:3 · BSB

Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

2 Corinthians 4:6 · BSB

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:17 · BSB

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

“are known”

1 Corinthians 8:3 Exodus 33:17 John 10:27 1 Corinthians 13:12 2 Timothy 2:19 Psalm 1:6

1 Corinthians 8:3 · BSB

But the one who loves God is known by God.

Exodus 33:17 · BSB

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 · BSB

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

1 Corinthians 13:12 · BSB

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.

2 Timothy 2:19 · BSB

Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

Psalm 1:6 · BSB

For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

“how”

Galatians 3:3 Romans 8:3 Hebrews 7:18 Colossians 2:20–23

Galatians 3:3 · BSB

Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?

Romans 8:3 · BSB

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,

Hebrews 7:18 · BSB

So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless

Colossians 2:20–23 · BSB

If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations:

“again”

Hebrews 10:38 Hebrews 10:39

Hebrews 10:38 · BSB

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Hebrews 10:39 · BSB

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Read Galatians 4