Galatians 4:20 kjv
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
Galatians 4:20 nkjv
I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Galatians 4:20 niv
how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Galatians 4:20 esv
I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Galatians 4:20 nlt
I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don't know how else to help you.
Galatians 4 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Galatians 1:6 | I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. | Warning against departing from true gospel |
| Galatians 3:1 | O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth, crucified among you? | Questioning their deviation from Christ |
| 2 Corinthians 11:2 | For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ. | Paul's pastoral zeal |
| 2 Corinthians 11:11 | Because I love you not? God knoweth. | Genuine love for the church |
| 2 Corinthians 12:15 | And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. | Selfless love and service |
| Philippians 3:18 | For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: | Grief over those who oppose Christ |
| Romans 9:2 | That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. | Deep pastoral concern |
| Acts 20:31 | Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. | Constant prayer and teaching |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:10 | Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? | Intercessory prayer for believers |
| Hebrews 12:15 | Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. | Warning against spiritual defilement |
| John 10:10 | The thief cometh not, but for to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. | Contrast between Christ and false teachers |
| 1 Corinthians 5:3 | For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath done this deed. | Spiritual presence despite physical absence |
| Colossians 2:5 | For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. | Spiritual connection and encouragement |
| Ephesians 4:30 | And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. | The role of the Holy Spirit in believers |
| Galatians 2:20 | I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. | Living by faith in Christ |
| John 15:4 | Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. | Importance of abiding in Christ |
| 1 Corinthians 1:10 | Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. | Plea for unity in the church |
| 1 Timothy 1:5 | Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: | The purpose of the gospel |
| Jude 1:3 | Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. | Contending for the faith |
| Acts 1:3 | To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. | Jesus' post-resurrection ministry |
Galatians 4 verses
Galatians 4 20 Meaning
This verse expresses the apostle Paul's profound desire for the Galatians' spiritual well-being and his anxiety over their wavering faith. He wishes he could be present with them, not just physically, but to address them personally and clarify his apostolic authority and the true gospel message he proclaimed. His ultimate concern is that their spiritual state is still uncertain, and he seeks to understand the root cause of their turning away from the truth.
Galatians 4 20 Context
In Galatians chapter 4, Paul contrasts the freedom believers have in Christ with the bondage of the Law, using the allegory of Hagar and Sarah. He explains that believers are children of promise, like Isaac, not children of bondage, like Ishmael. Having established this theological foundation, Paul shifts to a more personal appeal to the Galatians in verse 20. They had initially received the gospel with joy and adherence, but now, influenced by Judaizers, they were considering returning to the old covenant's legalistic requirements. Paul's frustration and deep concern stem from this potential departure from the liberty and truth found in Christ alone. The historical context involves the presence of false teachers within the Galatian church who insisted on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, undermining the sufficiency of Christ's finished work.
Galatians 4 20 Word Analysis
- Ὦ (O): An interjection expressing strong emotion, often surprise, distress, or yearning. Here it conveys Paul's deep emotion and direct address.
- θέλω (thelō): To will, wish, desire. Paul expresses his earnest desire and intention.
- γίνεται (ginetai): To be, to become, to be made. This indicates a state of being or a transformation.
- παρεῖναι (pareinai): To be present, to be near. It signifies Paul’s desire for his actual physical presence with them.
- πρὸς ὑμᾶς (pros hymas): To/with you. Direct address to the Galatian believers.
- καὶ (kai): And. A conjunction used to connect clauses.
- ἀλλάξαι (allaxai): To change, to alter. It suggests Paul's willingness to adapt his manner of speaking or even his mode of existence.
- τὴν ἐμὴν (tēn emēn): My. Emphasizes Paul's personal intention.
- φωνὴν (phōnēn): Voice, sound, utterance. Paul's message and teaching.
- ὅτι (hoti): Because, that. Introduces a reason or the content of his desire.
- ἀσθενοῦμαι (asthenoumai): To be weak, to be infirm, to be ill. In a spiritual sense, it refers to their lack of spiritual strength or a sickly spiritual condition.
- ἐν ὑμῖν (en ymin): In you. Pertaining to their current state or condition.
- ἐγὼ (egō): I. Personal pronoun emphasizing Paul.
- μὲν (men): Indeed, truly. Often used in contrast to a later "de" (but), setting up a thought.
- παρὼν (parōn): Being present, being here. While Paul is spiritually present, he desires to be physically present.
- δέ (de): But. Introducing a contrast or an additional thought.
- ἀπὼν (apōn): Being absent, being away. Referring to his physical absence.
Word Group Analysis:
- "I wish I were present with you": This highlights the pathos of Paul’s situation – his strong desire to be physically present to shepherd, correct, and encourage the Galatians directly, indicating the seriousness of the situation and his personal investment.
- "and to change my voice": This phrase suggests a willingness to adapt his approach, perhaps to speak more gently or in a different manner than he might in writing, in order to effectively reach them and bring them back to the truth. It underscores his pastoral heart and his commitment to their spiritual restoration.
- "for I am perplexed about you": The use of "perplexity" (ασθενοῦμαι, being weak/sick) reflects Paul's deep concern and perhaps even his bewilderment at how they could be swayed from the clear gospel he had preached. It signifies an inability to understand the reason for their deviation.
Galatians 4 20 Bonus Section
The phrase "change my voice" is remarkable. It implies that Paul might speak differently to them in person than his customary robust, theological language. He might be more pastoral, more direct, or even more empathetic in person. This reflects an understanding of different communication methods and a willingness to use whatever means necessary, without compromising the message, to win them back. The "perplexity" isn't a sign of his own weakness but a symptom of their spiritual vulnerability, highlighting how susceptible they are to false teaching when their spiritual "health" is compromised.
Galatians 4 20 Commentary
Paul’s yearning to be physically present with the Galatians is a testament to his pastoral heart. His desire to "change his voice" is not about compromising the gospel, but about finding the most effective way to communicate with them, recognizing that words spoken face-to-face can carry different weight than written ones. He is "perplexed" because their regression from the clear message of justification by faith to legalism suggests a spiritual ailment that baffles him. This verse reveals the deep emotional connection Paul had with the churches he pastored and the genuine grief he felt when they strayed from the truth. He is grappling with how to restore them to a state of spiritual soundness and conviction, mirroring the concerns of any good shepherd for his flock.