Galatians 4:19

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Galatians 4:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

King James Version KJV

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

American Standard Version ASV

My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you—

Bible in Basic English BBE

My children, of whom I am again in birth-pains till Christ is formed in you,

Free Bible Version FBV

My dear friends, I want to work with you until Christ's character is duplicated in you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

My litle children, of whome I trauaile in birth againe, vntill Christ be formed in you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

my little children, of whom again I travail in birth, till Christ may be formed in you,

World English Bible WEB

My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you—

Noah Webster Bible WBS

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you.

Translation for Translators T4T

You who are like my children, once again I am very worried/concerned about you [MET], and I will continue to be worried/concerned until Christ’s nature becomes developed in you completely and wholeheartedly [MET] as a child becomes developed in his mother’s womb.

Plain English Version PEV

Listen, I got you to believe in Jesus, so you are like my own kids to me. But now you are hurting me a lot. You know, when a woman has a baby, that baby gives her a lot of pain. Well, just like that, you are giving me a lot of pain. And I will keep on feeling this pain until you properly change to be like Jesus Christ.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:19

BAB

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Galatians 4:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τεκνια μου ους παλιν ωδινω αχρι ου μορφωθη χριστος εν υμιν

τεκνια teknion G5040 children Noun-VPN

μου egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GS

ους hos, hē G3739 which Rel-APM

παλιν palin G3825 again Adv

ωδινω ōdinō G5605 be in labor Verb-PAI-1S

αχρι achri G891 until Adv

ου hos, hē G3739 which Rel-GSM

μορφωθη morphoō G3445 to form Verb-APS-3S

χριστος Christos G5547 Christ Noun-NSM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:19

τεκνια teknion G5040 "children" Noun-VPN

This word refers to little children, often used as a term of endearment for Christian converts, as seen in John 13:33 and 1 John 2:1.

Definition: τεκνίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of τέκνον), a little child: as a term of endearment, in voc. pl., Jhn.13:33, Gal.4:19, 1Jn.2:1 Jn 2:12 Jn 2:28 Jn 3:7 Jn 3:13 Jn 4:4 Jn 5:21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: little children See also: 1 John 2:1; 1 John 3:18; John 13:33.

μου egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GS

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

ους hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-APM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

παλιν palin G3825 "again" Adv

Again or once more is what this word means. It is used in many places in the Bible, like Matthew 4:8 and John 1:35, to indicate that something is happening again or that something should be done again.

Definition: πάλιν, adv., [in LXX for שׁוּב, etc. ;] __1. of place, back, backwards (LS, see word). __2. Of time, again, once more: Mat.4:8, Mrk.2:13, Luk.23:20, Jhn.1:35 (and freq.), Act.17:32, Rom.11:23, Gal.1:9, Heb.1:6, al; pleonastically, π. ἀνακάμπτειν, Act.18:21; ὑποστρέφειν, Gal.1:17; εἰς τὸ π., 2Co.13:2; π. ἐκ τρίτου (Bl., §81, 4), Mat.26:44; ἐκ δευτέρου, Mat.26:42, Act.10:15; π. δεῦτερον, Jhn.4:54 21:16; π. ἄνωθεν ( Wis.19:6), Gal.4:9. __3. Rhetorically, again; __(a) further, moreover: Mat.5:33, Luk.13:20, Jhn.12:39, al.; __(b) in turn, on the other hand (Soph.; LXX: Wis.13:8 16:23, al.): Luk.6:43, 1Co.12:21, 2Co.10:7, 1Jn.2:8. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: again See also: 1 Corinthians 3:20; John 16:22; Hebrews 1:5.

ωδινω ōdinō G5605 "be in labor" Verb-PAI-1S

To be in labor means to experience the pains of childbirth, either literally or figuratively, as seen in Galatians 4:27 and Revelation 12:2.

Definition: ὠδίνω [in LXX chiefly for חוּל, also for חָבַל pi., etc. ;] to have birthpangs, to travail: Gal.4:27 (LXX), Rev.12:2; metaphorically, Gal.4:19 (cf. συν-ωδίνω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: travail in (birth) See also: Galatians 4:19; Galatians 4:27; Revelation 12:2.

αχρι achri G891 "until" Adv

Until a certain time or point, like in Acts 3:21 where Jesus will remain in heaven until the time of restoration. This preposition indicates a boundary or limit, either in time or space.

Definition: ἄχρι (and Epic ἄχρις, bef. vowel (see MM, see word), Rom.11:25 T, Gal.3:19 T, WH, mg., Heb.3:13); __1. adv., utterly (Hom.). __2. Prep. with genitive, until, unto, as far as; __(a) of time Act.3:21 22:22, Rom.1:13 5:13, 1Co.4:11, 2Co.3:14, Gal.4:2, Php.1:6; ἄ. καιροῦ, Luk.4:13, Act.13:11; ἄ. ἧς ἡμέρας, Mat.24:38, Luk.1:20 17:27, Act.1:2 (τῆς ἡ. ἧς), Act.1:22; ἄ. ταύτης τ. ἡμέρας (τ. ἡ. ταύτης), Act.2:29 23:1 26:22; ἄ. ἡμερων πέντε, Act.20:6; ἄ. αὐγῆς, Act.20:11; ἄ. τοῦ νῦν, Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἄ. τέλους, Heb.6:11, Rev.2:26; __(b) of space: Act.11:5 13:6 20:4 (R, txt., WH, mg.) Act.28:15, 2Co.10:13-14, Heb.4:12, Rev.14:20 18:5; __(with) of measure or degree: ἄ. θανάτου, Act.22:4, Rev.2:10 12:11. __3. As conj., until; __(a) ἄχρι alone: with subj. aor., Gal.3:19 (ἄ. οὗ T, WH, mg.); id. without ἄν (Bl., § 65, 10), Rev.7:3 15:8 20:3, 5; with indic. fut., Rev.17:17; __(b) ἄ. οὗ (i.e. ἄ.. τούτου ᾧ): with indic. aor., Act.7:18; impf., Act.27:33; with subj. aor. (Bl., ut supr.), Luk.21:24, Rom.11:25, 1Co.11:26 15:25, Gal.3:19, T, WH, mg.; id. with ἄν, Rev.2:25; with indic. pres., while, Heb.3:13 (cf. μέχρι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: as far as, for, in(-to), till, (even, un-)to, until, while See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 4:12.

ου hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-GSM

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

μορφωθη morphoō G3445 "to form" Verb-APS-3S

To give something a new shape or form, like a sculptor molding clay. In Galatians 4:19, it describes forming Christ in believers.

Definition: μορφόω, -ῶ (μορφή), [in Aq.: Isa.44:13 * ;] to form: figuratively, Gal.4:19 (cf. μετα-, συμ-μορφόω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: form See also: Galatians 4:19.

χριστος Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-NSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP

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 4:19

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Context
Cross References
Galatians 4:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Context — Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

17Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.

19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. 21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ephesians 4:13	until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.
2	Romans 8:29	For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
3	Romans 13:14	Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
4	Ephesians 4:24	and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
5	Colossians 4:12	Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
6	Colossians 3:10	and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
7	1 Corinthians 4:14–15	I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
8	Philippians 2:5	Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
9	Numbers 11:11–12	So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, so that You should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries an infant,’ to the land that You swore to give their fathers?
10	Colossians 1:27	To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Galatians 4:19 Summary

[Paul is saying that he loves the Galatians like a mother loves her children, and he wants them to grow up to be like Jesus, as seen in Galatians 4:19. He is willing to go through spiritual 'labor pains' to help them become more like Christ, just as a mother goes through labor to give birth to her child. This process of growth is supported by the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and is a result of God's work in our lives, as stated in Philippians 1:6. By surrendering to God's work, we can allow Christ to be more fully formed in us, and become more like Him, as described in Romans 8:29.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Paul to be in the pains of childbirth for the Galatians?

Paul is expressing the depth of his concern and labor for the spiritual growth of the Galatians, much like a mother in childbirth, until they fully embody the character of Christ, as seen in Galatians 4:19 and supported by the idea of spiritual birth in John 3:3-7.

How can we understand Christ being formed in us?

This refers to the process of spiritual growth and sanctification, where believers become more like Jesus, as described in Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, and is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23.

Is this verse suggesting that Paul is responsible for the Galatians' spiritual formation?

While Paul is deeply invested in the Galatians' spiritual growth, the ultimate responsibility for their formation lies with God, as stated in Philippians 1:6 and 2:13, and Paul's role is that of a spiritual father, guiding and supporting them in their walk with Christ.

What is the significance of Paul referring to the Galatians as his children?

By calling them his children, Paul is expressing his paternal love and concern for the Galatians, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:11, and emphasizing his role as a spiritual father, who has given them birth through the gospel, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:15.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'pains of childbirth' in my own spiritual journey, and how can I surrender to God's work in my life?
In what ways can I allow Christ to be more fully formed in me, and what are the obstacles that hinder this process?
How can I, like Paul, labor in prayer and support for others, that they may come to know Christ more deeply?
What does it mean for me to be 'zealous' for a noble purpose, as mentioned in the surrounding context of Galatians 4:18, and how can I apply this in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:19

My little children,.... A soft and tender way of speaking, used by Christ to his disciples, and frequently by that affectionate and beloved disciple, John.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:19

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, My little children (1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:1; 1 John 2:1).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:19

By calling them little children, he both hints to them that he was their spiritual father, and had begotten them to Christ; and that they were as yet weak in the faith, not grown men, but as yet little children: and also hints to them, the tender affection he had towards them, which was the same as of a mother to her little children: though they did not own and honour him as their spiritual father, yet he loved them as his little children. Of whom I travail in birth again; for whom I am in as great pain, through my earnest desire for the good of your souls, as the woman is that is in travail for the bringing forth of a child. Until Christ be fully and perfectly formed in you; that is, till you be brought off from your Judaism, and opinion of the necessity of superadding the works of the law to the faith of Christ in order to your justification, and be rooted in the truth and established in the liberty of the gospel, witIt which Christ hath made you free.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:19

19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, Ver. 19. Till Christ be formed] That you may seek for salvation by him alone. Together with the word there goes forth a regenerating power, James 1:18. It is not a dead letter and empty sound, as some have blasphemed. Only let us not, as Hosea’ s unwise son, stay in the place of breaking forth of children, proceed no further than to conviction; much less stifle those inward workings for sin, as harlots destroy their conceptions, that they may not bear the pain of childbirth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:19

(19) My little children.—The form is a diminutive, not found elsewhere in the writings of St. Paul, though common in St. John. It is used to heighten the tenderness of the appeal. The simple form, however, “my children,” is found in some of the best MSS., and perhaps should be adopted. St. Paul regards as his spiritual children all who first received the gospel from him. Of whom I travail in birth again.—The struggle which ends in the definite winning over of his converts to Christ, the Apostle compares to the process of birth by which “a man is born into the world.” In the case of the Galatians, after their relapse, this struggle has all to be gone through again. Until Christ be formed in you.—Just as the formless embryo by degrees takes the shape of man, so the unformed Christian by degrees takes the likeness of Christ. As he grows in grace that likeness becomes more and more defined, till at last the Christian reaches the “stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). There is some question as to the punctuation of this verse: whether it should be divided from the last by a full stop, and from the next by a comma, as is usually done; or from the last by a comma, and from the next by a full-stop. It is a nice question of scholarship, in which the weight or preponderance of authority seems, perhaps, rather to incline to the usual view, though some good commentators take the other side. It has been thought best not to alter the punctuation of the English text, though without a clear conviction that it is right.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:19

Verse 19. My little children] τεκνιαμου. My beloved children. As their conversion to God had been the fruit of much labour, prayers, and tears, so he felt them as his children, and peculiarly dear to him, because he had been the means of bringing them to the knowledge of the truth; therefore he represents himself as suffering the same anxiety and distress which he endured at first when he preached the Gospel to them, when their conversion to Christianity was a matter of great doubt and uncertainty. The metaphor which he uses needs no explanation. Until Christ be formed in you] Till you once more receive the Spirit and unction of Christ in your hearts, from which you are fallen, by your rejection of the spirit of the Gospel.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:19

19. In the preceding verse the metaphor seems to be taken from the affection of husband and wife (see 1 Corinthians 11:2-3). Now it is changed to that from a mother in travail.My little children] A form of address expressive of great tenderness, common with St John, but used only here by St Paul. This verse may be a continuation of the preceding. But it is better to take it as an apostrophe, and to regard the particle ‘but’ (see note) at the beginning of Gal 4:20 as resumptive of the train of thought from Galatians 4:18.again] This had first taken place at their conversion.until Christ be formed in you] The indwelling of Christ in the believer’s soul is the principle of his new life. To restore this after a relapse is a task of deep anxiety to the Apostle. Calvin sees here an illustration of the efficacy of the Christian ministry. God ascribes to His ministers that work which He Himself performs through the power of His Spirit, acting by human instruments.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:19

My little children - The language of tender affection, such as a parent would use toward his own offspring; see the note at 1 Corinthians 4:15; compare Matthew 18:3; John 13:33; 1 John 2:1, 1 John

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:19

19. My little children—My darlings. An expression of endearment repeatedly used by St. John, but here alone by St. Paul.

Sermons on Galatians 4:19

	Sermon	Description
	Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the
	Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a
	Christian Love That Defies Description by Francis Chan	This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a baptism where a girl, Sabrina, owned her faith as her own, not just inherited from her parents. It highlights the miraculous story of h
	Making Whole Hearted Disciples by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for radical repentance and a reverence for God. He challenges the audience to examine their own lives and confess if they have enjo
	Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep appreciation for the things of God. He highlights how easily humans can take God's blessings for granted and
	Travailing - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon delves into the profound courage, faith, and love displayed by the apostle Paul as seen in his letter to the Galatians. It explores how Paul's unwavering commitment to
	Maintaining the Cause of the Reformation by Alan Cairns	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of liberty in Christ for believers. He highlights the themes of the Gospel, including the sovereignty of God's will, the meri