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

biblegateway Gal 4:3

So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces of the world.

So also we, when we were children, we were enslaved under the elemental spirits of the world.

biblegateway Gal 4:3

So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.

In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

bibleoremus Gal 4:3

So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world.

So it was with us: during our minority we were slaves, subject to the elemental spirits of the universe,

biblegateway Gal 4:3

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

biblegateway Gal 4:3

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

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

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.