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Galatians 4:11

Galatians 4:11 in Multiple Translations

I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.

I am in fear of you, that I may have been working for you to no purpose.

I'm concerned that all I did for you has been wasted!

I am in feare of you, lest I haue bestowed on you labour in vaine.

I am afraid of you, lest in vain I did labour toward you.

I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.

I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have laboured in vain among you.

I ◄worry/am concerned► about your mistaken ideas. I do not want to have so strenuously served you in vain.

I’m worried about you. I worked really hard to help you, and now I think, “Maybe I wasted my time.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:11

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Galatians 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK φοβουμαι υμας μηπως εικη κεκοπιακα εις υμας
φοβουμαι phobeō G5399 to fear Verb-PNI-1S
υμας su G4771 you Pron-2AP
μηπως mēpōs G3381 so that Conj-N
εικη eikē G1500 in vain Adv
κεκοπιακα kopiaō G2872 to labor Verb-RAI-1S
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
υμας su G4771 you Pron-2AP
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:11

φοβουμαι phobeō G5399 "to fear" Verb-PNI-1S
To fear means to be alarmed or in awe of something, like God's power. In the New Testament, it often means to reverence or respect, as in Matthew 10:31.
Definition: φοβέέω, ῶ (φόβος) [in LXX chiefly for מִן יָרֵא ;] __1. in Hem., to put to flight. Pass., to be put to flight, to flee affrighted __2. to terrify, frighten (Wis 179; Hdt. and Att..). Pass. (so always in NT; cf. M, Pr., 162), to be seized with fear, be affrighted, fear: Mat.10:31 14:27, Mrk.5:33 6:50, Luk.1:13 8:50, Jhn.6:19 12:15, Act.16:38, al.; opposite to ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, Rom.11:20; σφόδρα, Mat.17:6 27:54; with cogn. accusative, φόβον μέγαν, Mrk.4:41, Luk.2:9 (1Ma.10:8); φόβον αὐτῶν (obj, genitive, but cf. ICC, in l), 1Pe.3:14; πτόησιν, 1Pe.3:6; with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:26, Mrk.11:18, Luk.19:21, Jhn.9:22, Act.9:26, Rom.13:3, al.; before ἀπό (like Heb. יָרֵא, Jer.1:8, al.; cf. M, Pr., 102, 104n„), Mat.10:28, Luk.12:4; before μή (cl.; Bl., § 65, 3; M, Pr., 184 f.), Act.23:10 27:17; μήπως, Act.27:29, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; μήποτε, Heb.4:1; with inf. (Bl., § 69, 4; M, Pr., 205), Mat.1:20, Mrk.9:32, al.; of reverential fear: Mrk.6:20, Eph.5:33; τ. θεόν, Luk.1:50, Act.10:2, 1Pe.2:17, Rev.14:7, al.; τ. κύριον, Col.3:22, Rev.15:4; τ. ὄνομα τ. θεοῦ (see: ὄνομα), Rev.11:18; οἱ φοβούμενοι τ. θεόν, of proselytes, Act.13:16, 26 (cf. ἐκ-φοβέω) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence See also: 1 John 4:18; Luke 12:7; 1 Peter 2:17.
υμας su G4771 "you" Pron-2AP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
μηπως mēpōs G3381 "so that" Conj-N
This word means 'lest somehow' or 'so that', often used to express a warning or concern, as in 1 Corinthians 9:27 and 2 Corinthians 2:7.
Definition: μήπως or μή πως (so WH), negative particle, __1. as conjc., lest haply: in final sentences, 1Co.9:27, 2Co.2:7 9:4; after verbs of fearing or taking heed, 1Co.8:9, 2Co.11:3 12:20, Gal.4:11; with an ellipse of ptcp. (sc. φοβούμενος; cf. B1., § 65, 3; Burton, § 225), 1Th.3:5 (but see infr.). __2. As interrogative, whether haply: Gal.2:2, 1Th.3:5 (cf. M, Th., in l, but see supr.).† μήπου (WH, μή που), lest anywhere, lest haply: Act.27:29.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: lest (by any means, by some means, haply, perhaps) See also: 1 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Romans 11:21.
εικη eikē G1500 "in vain" Adv
This adverb means in vain or without reason, as seen in Matthew 5:22 and Romans 13:4. It describes doing something without a purpose or effect, often translated as 'without a cause' or 'in vain' in the KJV.
Definition: εἰκῇ (-ῆ, Rec., as in cl.), adv., [in LXX: Pro.28:25 (εἰκῇ)* ;] __1. without cause or reason: Mat.5:22 (E, mg.), Col.2:18 (ICC). __2. vainly, fruitlessly, to no purpose: Rom.13:4, 1Co.15:2, Gal.3:4 4:11, Col.2:18.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: without a cause, (in) vain(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 15:2; Galatians 4:11; Romans 13:4.
κεκοπιακα kopiaō G2872 "to labor" Verb-RAI-1S
To labor or work hard, often feeling tired or weary, as seen in Matthew 11:28 and John 4:6.
Definition: κοπιάω, -ῶ (κόπος), [in LXX chiefly for יָגַע ;] __1. (as in cl.) to grow weary: Mat.11:28, Jhn.4:6, Rev.2:3 (cf. Isa.40:31). __2. Hence, in LXX and NT, to work with effort, to toil: absol., Mat.6:23, Luk.5:5 12:27, Jhn.4:38, Act.20:35, 1Co.4:12, Eph.4:28, 2Ti.2:5; with accusative of thing(s), Jhn.4:38; frequently in Paul. Epp., of ministerial labour: 1Co.15:10 16:16; before ἐν, Rom.16:12, 1Th.5:12 (see M, Th., in l), 1Ti.5:17; εἰς, Rom.16:6, Gal.4:11, Php.2:16, Col.1:29, 1Ti.4:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 4:11; Revelation 2:3.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
υμας su G4771 "you" Pron-2AP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

Study Notes — Galatians 4:11

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and caused our labor to be in vain.
2 Philippians 2:16 as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
3 Galatians 2:2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
4 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
5 Acts 16:6 After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
6 2 Corinthians 12:20–21 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.
7 Galatians 5:2–4 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
8 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
9 Isaiah 49:4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”
10 2 Corinthians 11:2–3 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Galatians 4:11 Summary

The Apostle Paul is expressing concern that his hard work and teaching among the Galatians may not have been effective, as they are now turning back to their old ways. He wants them to remember that their faith in Jesus Christ is what truly sets them free, not following rules or traditions (as seen in Romans 8:1-2). Paul's heart is for the Galatians to trust in God's grace and love, rather than trying to earn their salvation through works. By trusting in Jesus, we can experience true freedom and a deeper relationship with God, as promised in John 8:31-32 and 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Apostle Paul mean by 'my efforts for you may have been in vain'?

Paul is expressing concern that his missionary work and teachings among the Galatians may not have achieved their intended purpose, as they are now turning back to their old ways, similar to the concerns expressed in Romans 10:1 and 2 Corinthians 12:20-21.

Is Paul questioning the salvation of the Galatians?

While Paul is worried about the Galatians' spiritual well-being, he is not necessarily questioning their salvation, as seen in Ephesians 1:13-14, where it is clear that true believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

What kind of 'efforts' is Paul referring to in this verse?

Paul is likely referring to his preaching, teaching, and discipleship efforts among the Galatians, as mentioned in Acts 16:6 and Galatians 3:1-5, where he shares the Gospel and establishes churches.

How does this verse relate to Paul's overall message in the book of Galatians?

This verse is part of Paul's larger argument against the Galatians' return to legalism and works-based righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Galatians 2:16 and 3:24-25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be 'turning back' to old patterns or habits that are not pleasing to God?
  2. How can I ensure that my efforts to serve and follow God are not 'in vain', but rather fruitful and pleasing to Him?
  3. What role does faith play in my relationship with God, and how can I prioritize trust in Jesus Christ above human traditions or works?
  4. In what ways can I, like Paul, 'become all things to all people' in order to share the Gospel and serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:11

I am afraid of you,.... Which shows the danger he apprehended they were in, by taking such large steps from Christianity to Judaism, and expresses the godly jealousy of the apostle over them;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:11

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. Howbeit - contrast of their former with their present state.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:11

Paul knew that, with reference to himself, he had not laboured in vain; he might say with Isaiah, : Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorified. He had told the Corinthians, that he knew he should be a sweet savour to God, as well in them that perished as in them that should be saved, . But he speaks with reference to them. A faithful minister accounteth his labour lost when he seeth no fruits of it upon the souls of his people. Nor was Paul afraid of this as to the sincerer part of this church, who truly believed, and were justified, but he speaketh this with reference to the whole body of this church. That which he feared, was their falling back from their profession of Christianity to Judaism; as judging the observation of the Jewish days necessary by Divine precept to Christians. Nor doth he speak of the observation of such days, as it was their duty in obedience to the moral law to observe, which commandeth the observation of a seventh day for the weekly sabbath, and gives a liberty for setting apart other days, and the commanding the observation of them, to take notice of and acknowledge God in emergent providences. But he only speaks of days imposed by the ceremonial law, and men’ s religious observation of them, as being tied to it by a Divine precept, by which they made them a part of worship. We have a liberty to set apart any day for God’ s worship, and magistrates have a liberty to set apart particular days for the acknowledgment of God in emergent providences whether of mercy or judgment; but none hath a power to make a day holy, so as that it shall be a sin against God for all to labour therein, much less hath any a liberty to keep Jewish holy-days.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:11

11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Ver. 11. Lest I have bestowed labour] Gr. κεκοπιακα, even to lassitude, as a day labourer. Other work folks find their work as they left it; but a minister hath all marred many times between sabbath and sabbath, or if but awhile absent, as Moses was in the mount.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:11

(8-11) The results of the foregoing argument are now turned against the Galatians. In their old heathen state they had been in bondage to gods that were no gods. From this bondage they had been delivered. They had been raised to a true knowledge of God, and received a Father’s recognition from Him. How then could they possibly think of returning to a system of mere ceremonialism. All this painful observance of times and seasons could only make the Apostle think that his labours on their behalf had been thrown away.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:11

Verse 11. I am afraid of you] I begin now to be seriously alarmed for you, and think you are so thoroughly perverted from the Gospel of Christ, that all my pains and labour in your conversion have been thrown away.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:11

11. I am afraid of you] Sad thought, that all the toil which he had undergone on their behalf might prove to have been in vain! The possibility of such a result softens his tone, and as he thinks of his own labours, he will appeal to them by their memory of the past—of their reception of him and of his message ‘at the first’.The thought of having bestowed labour in vain has always been one of the trials of the faithful messenger of God. It was so in the case of Elijah (1 Kings 19:10; 1 Kings 19:14), of Isaiah, (Isaiah 53:1). It finds frequent expression in the Epistles of St Paul (1 Corinthians 15:14; Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). The assurance given long ago (Isaiah 55:11) is still needed and still in force.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:11

I am afraid of you ... - I have fears respecting you. His fears were that they had no genuine Christian principle.

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:11

11. I am afraid of you, lest—The Greek indicative implies that he assumes that which he fears was an accomplished fact.

Sermons on Galatians 4:11

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Believing a Lie by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson addresses the feelings of discouragement that arise from unmet expectations and the lies of the enemy that suggest one's life has been ineffective. He draws paralle
Jonathan Edwards That There Is an Appearance of Love in Them, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards discusses the misconception that religious affections, particularly love, are always evidence of salvation, emphasizing that even strong and apparent love for God
Kenneth MacRae A Word to the Anxious by Kenneth MacRae The preacher delves into the concept of 'methodeia,' which refers to the devil's orderly, logical, and effective schemes to deceive and mislead believers. These schemes involve acc
St. John Chrysostom Concerning Lowliness of Mind by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of humbleness of mind over pride, using the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican to illustrate the dangers of self-righteousness.
St. John Chrysostom 1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of faith, love, and the need for continual growth in holiness. He emphasizes the role of love in overcoming temptations and the power
A.W. Tozer "Thus Saith the Lord" by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher delves into the multifaceted meaning of 'stego', which includes concepts like protection, endurance, and support. The preacher explains how 'stego' was
J.C. Ryle The Power of the Holy Spirit by J.C. Ryle In this sermon on suffering affliction, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'thlibo', which means to press, squash, or hem in, depicting the pressure and narrowness of afflicti

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