Galatians 4:3

4:3 So also we, when we were minors, ¹  were enslaved under the basic forces ²  of the world.

Galatians 4:20

4:20 I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, ³  because I am perplexed about you.

Galatians 5:11

5:11 Now, brothers and sisters, ⁴  if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? ⁵  In that case the offense of the cross ⁶  has been removed. ⁷ 

[4:3]  ¹ tn See the note on the word “minor” in 4:1.

[4:3]  ² tn Or “basic principles,” “elemental things,” or “elemental spirits.” Some interpreters take this as a reference to supernatural powers who controlled nature and/or human fate.

[4:20]  ³ tn Grk “voice” or “tone.” The contemporary English expression “tone of voice” is a good approximation to the meaning here.

[5:11]  ⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

[5:11]  ⁶ sn That is, if Paul still teaches observance of the Mosaic law (preaches circumcision), why is he still being persecuted by his opponents, who insist that Gentile converts to Christianity must observe the Mosaic law?

[5:11]  ⁷ sn The offense of the cross refers to the offense to Jews caused by preaching Christ crucified.

[5:11]  ⁸ tn Or “nullified.”