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.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:11
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Galatians 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:11
Study Notes — Galatians 4:11
- Context
- Cross References
- Galatians 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:11
- Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
- Sermons on Galatians 4:11
Context — Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
11I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.
12I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are some ways in which I may be 'turning back' to old patterns or habits that are not pleasing to God?
- How can I ensure that my efforts to serve and follow God are not 'in vain', but rather fruitful and pleasing to Him?
- What role does faith play in my relationship with God, and how can I prioritize trust in Jesus Christ above human traditions or works?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:11
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:11
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:11
Sermons on Galatians 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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"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 |
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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 |






