Galatians 3:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing?

American Standard Version (1901)

Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain.

Bible in Basic English

Did you undergo such a number of things to no purpose? if it is in fact to no purpose.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Have you suffered so great things in vain? If it be yet in vain.

Free Bible Version

Did you go through so much suffering for nothing? (It really wasn't for nothing was it?)

Geneva Bible 1599

Haue ye suffered so many things in vaine? if so be it be euen in vaine.

King James (Authorized) Version

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

Plain English Version

You believed the good news about Jesus, so then you went through a lot of trouble. Was that all for nothing? I hope it was not for nothing.

Translation for Translators

Keep in mind that if what God has done for you was because of your obeying the laws that God gave to Moses and not because of trusting in Christ, when others caused you to suffer, you suffered many things needlessly! [RHQ] I certainly hope that you did not suffer like that needlessly.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Have you suffered so many things for nothing—if indeed it was for nothing?

Noah Webster Bible

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it is yet in vain.

World English Bible

Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?

Young's Literal Translation

so many things did ye suffer in vain! if, indeed, even in vain.

Context

Faith and Belief

³Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?⁴Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing?⁵Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?

Sermons

Law, Grace and Victory

Theodore Epp

Summary

In Galatians 3:4, the apostle Paul questions the Galatians about their spiritual experiences, particularly whether they received the Holy Spirit by observing the law or by believing what they heard. This verse underscores the importance of faith in receiving the Holy Spirit and experiencing God's power in their lives, rather than relying on legalistic practices. Paul challenges the Galatians to remember the initial faith they had and to continue in that faith, emphasizing that true spiritual growth and blessings come through faith in Christ, not through works of the law.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? - Have ye received and lost so much good? The verb πασχων, as compounded with ευ, well, or κακως, ill, and often without either, signifies to suffer pain or loss, or to possess and enjoy. In such a case the man is considered as the patient, and the good or ill acts upon him. Though it is possible that the Galatians had suffered some persecution for the truth of Christ, yet it is as likely that the apostle refers to the benefits which they had received. Ye have received faith, the pardon of your sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with it many extraordinary gifts and graces; and have ye suffered the loss of all these things? Have ye received all these in vain? if yet in vain - if it be credible that ye have sacrificed so many excellent benefits for an imaginary good.