Galatians 4:18 kjv
But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
Galatians 4:18 nkjv
But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
Galatians 4:18 niv
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
Galatians 4:18 esv
It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,
Galatians 4:18 nlt
If someone is eager to do good things for you, that's all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I'm with you.
Galatians 4 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Galatians 4:18 | good to be zealously sought after in a good thing always, and not only when I am present | Cross-reference for zealous devotion |
| 1 Corinthians 15:58 | steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord | Echoes the importance of consistent work |
| Philippians 1:27 | Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent and hear of you, I may know that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel | Highlights conduct worthy of the Gospel |
| Colossians 1:23 | if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard | Emphasizes stability in the faith |
| Hebrews 10:35-36 | Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised | Stresses endurance and persistence |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching | Reinforces readiness and consistency |
| Titus 2:14 | who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works | Connects redemption with zeal for good deeds |
| 1 Peter 1:13 | Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ | Calls for preparation and sobriety |
| Revelation 3:15-16 | I know your works. You are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. | Warns against lukewarmness, advocating for fervor |
| Romans 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit. Serve the Lord. | Encourages fervor in service |
| Galatians 5:6 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love. | Underscores faith active in love as the key element |
| Matthew 24:13 | But the one who endures to the end will be saved. | Promises salvation for endurance |
| John 8:31 | So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, | Connects abiding in His word with discipleship |
| Romans 6:13 | Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as... for righteousness | Advocates for presenting oneself to God |
| Galatians 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control | Lists virtues essential for a godly life |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | Test everything; hold fast to what is good. | Commands discernment and steadfastness |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:5 | May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. | Prays for steadfastness |
| Ephesians 4:3 | aiming to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Encourages unity and peace |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and one soul... | Demonstrates unity and shared purpose |
| Galatians 4:19 | My little children, for whom I am again in anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! | Reflects Paul's ongoing concern and travail for their spiritual maturity |
Galatians 4 verses
Galatians 4 18 Meaning
It is good to be zealously sought after in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. The apostle Paul is asserting that genuine discipleship should be characterized by consistent and fervent devotion to good, regardless of whether he is physically present to encourage or oversee.
Galatians 4 18 Context
In Galatians chapter 4, Paul addresses the Galatian believers who are being tempted to return to legalistic observance of the Mosaic Law, specifically circumcision, under the influence of false teachers. He uses allegorical examples from his own life and family history (Hagar and Sarah) to illustrate the contrast between the covenant of works (based on law) and the covenant of grace (based on faith in Christ). This verse arises from Paul's assertion that he has a genuine fatherly concern for the Galatians, unlike the false teachers who seek to control them for their own gain. He desires them to be grounded and steadfast in the true Gospel.
Galatians 4 18 Word Analysis
- καλὸν (kalon): Good, noble, fine, beautiful. It speaks of intrinsic value and moral excellence.
- ἐστὶν (estin): Is. Simple statement of being.
- τὸ (to): The. Definite article.
- ζηλοῦσθαι (zelousthai): To be zealously sought after, to be envied, to be pursued with ardent desire. From "zelos," meaning zeal, ardor, emulation, or even jealousy. Here it implies a good and commendable fervor by others towards the subject.
- ἐν (en): In, by, with. A preposition indicating sphere or means.
- καλῷ (kalō): A good thing. In the dative case, agreeing with "thing." Refers to that which is morally good and commendable.
- πάντοτε (pantote): Always, at all times. An adverb emphasizing consistency and perpetuity.
- καὶ (kai): And. Conjunction.
- οὐχ (ouch): Not. Negation.
- ὅταν (hotan): When, whenever. A subordinating conjunction.
- παρὼν (parōn): Being present, here. Present participle of "pariemi" (to be present).
- ἐν (en): With, among.
- ὑμῖν (hymin): You (plural). Dative case, referring to the Galatian believers.
Words-Group Analysis
- "good to be zealously sought after in a good thing always": This phrase encapsulates the ideal Christian attitude and practice. It's not merely about being good, but about this goodness being the object of fervent desire and pursuit by others. This "good thing" refers to the truth of the Gospel and the righteous life it produces. The "always" emphasizes that this zeal should be unwavering, a constant characteristic.
- "and not only when I am present with you": This distinguishes genuine spirituality from external performance or reliance on a leader's presence for motivation. Paul wants their commitment to be internal and consistent, not dependent on his oversight.
Galatians 4 18 Bonus Section
The emphasis on being "zealously sought after" by others for a "good thing" speaks to the principle of discipleship and accountability within the body of Christ. While a Christian's walk is primarily personal before God, community involvement, encouragement, and mutual correction are vital components, all motivated by a fervent desire for one another's spiritual growth and steadfastness in the Gospel. The word "zelousthai" can carry a dual meaning: to be zealous for something, or to be the object of someone's zeal (whether positive or negative). In this context, Paul clearly means it positively – it is good that he (and by extension, other godly leaders and believers) be fervent in desiring their welfare in the Lord.
Galatians 4 18 Commentary
Paul expresses his deep paternal affection for the Galatians by affirming that it is fitting and commendable for him (and others who care for them) to be passionately committed to their spiritual well-being and adherence to the truth at all times. This pursuit of their good should not be conditional upon his physical presence. His absence should not diminish their earnestness in living according to the Gospel. He contrasts this genuine concern with the motivations of the false teachers who, by his description in the preceding verses, likely sought to dominate and control the Galatians for their own glory rather than for their true spiritual good. The implication is that true spiritual nurture involves consistent, unwavering engagement with what is truly good, reflecting Christ's work in them.