Galatians 4:9

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

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

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
KJV
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
WEB
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
ASV
but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
DARBY
but now, knowing God, but rather being known by God, how do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly principles to which ye desire to be again anew in bondage?
BLB
But now, having known God, but rather having been known by God, how do you⁺ turn again to the weak and poor elements, to which you⁺ want to be in slavery again anew?
ÅB
men nå, da dere kjenner Gud, ja det som mere er, er kjent av Gud, hvordan kan dere da vende om igjen til den skrøpelige og fattige barnelærdom? vil dere da på ny igjen slave under den?
OTB
Men nå som dere kjenner Gud, eller rettere sagt er kjent av Gud, hvordan kan dere vende tilbake til de svake og verdiløse prinsippene? Ønsker dere å bli slaver under dem igjen?
B1930
men nu, da I kjenner Gud, ja det som mere er, er kjent av Gud, hvorledes kan I da vende om igjen til den skrøpelige og fattige barnelærdom? vil I da på ny igjen træle under den?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Corinthians 8:3

    But the one who loves God is known by God.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 3:3

    Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?

    Read in context
  • Romans 8:3

    For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

    Read in context
  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

    Read in context
  • 2 Peter 2:20

    If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 28:9

    As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

    Read in context
  • John 10:27

    My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

    Read in context
  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

    Read in context