Galatians 2:4
What does Galatians 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 2:4 means
Paul reveals why the matter was contested: infiltrators—called false brothers—had slipped into the fellowship. Their aim was to scrutinize and curtail the freedom believers enjoy in Christ Jesus, seeking to re-enslave them under regulations as a means of standing before God. These were not sincere questioners but undercover agitators. By exposing them, Paul clarifies that the debate was not a minor difference but a threat to the very nature of the gospel, which liberates from reliance on the Law for righteousness. Christian liberty is not license to sin, but deliverance from legal bondage as a way to be accepted by God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And that because of the false brothers let in secretly, who came searching out our free condition which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might make servants of us;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and <FI>that<Fi> because of the false brethren brought in unawares, who did come in privily to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, that us they might bring under bondage,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into servitude.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and [it was] on account of the false brethren brought in surreptitiously, who came in surreptitiously to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;
Context
Coming after the acceptance of Titus, this verse explains the intense pressure behind the scenes. The issue was not merely cultural sensitivity, but a gospel-defining conflict. Verse 5 will describe Paul’s response—firm refusal to submit—so that the gospel’s truth would remain intact. Then verses 6–9 will show how the recognized leaders responded, confirming Paul’s message and mission rather than siding with the intruders who sought to impose the Law on Gentile believers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- 1 Peter 2:16
as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
- Galatians 4:25
Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.
- 2 Corinthians 11:20
For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- Acts 15:1
And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
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