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Galatians 4:8-21
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
Galatians 4:8-21
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
8 But then indeed, not knowing God, you served them, who, by nature, are not gods.
9 But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known by God: how turn you again to the weak and needy elements, which you desire to serve again?
10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have laboured in vain among you.
12 Be ye as I, because I also am as you: brethren, I beseech you: you have not injured me at all.
13 And you know, how through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel to you heretofore: and your temptation in my flesh,
14 You despised not, nor rejected: but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then your blessedness? For I bear you witness, that, if it could be done, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and would have given them to me.
16 Am I then become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They are zealous in your regard not well: but they would exclude you, that you might be zealous for them.
18 But be zealous for that which is good in a good thing always: and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you.
20 And I would willingly be present with you now, and change my voice: because I am ashamed for you.
21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, have you not read the law?
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Galatians 4:8-21
New International Version
Galatians 4:8-21
New International Version
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God,(A) you were slaves(B) to those who by nature are not gods.(C) 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(D)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved(E) by them all over again?(F) 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!(G) 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.(H)
12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters,(I) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness(J) that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.(K) 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?(L)
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.(M) 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.(N) 19 My dear children,(O) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,(P) 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law,(Q) are you not aware of what the law says?
Footnotes
- Galatians 4:9 Or principles
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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