My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

GALATIANS 4:19KJV
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Galatians 4:19 (KJV)

What does Galatians 4:19 mean?

Galatians 4:19 describes Paul’s deep care for the believers in Galatia, comparing his concern to the pain of childbirth as he longs for Christ’s character to be fully developed in them. Paul expresses that he is going through this struggle “again,” showing his ongoing effort until they truly reflect Christ.

Paul is writing to the Galatian Christians, warning them about turning back to old religious practices instead of living by faith in Christ. By calling them “my little children,” Paul uses a term of affection and spiritual responsibility. The image of “travail in birth again” shows how personally invested he is in their spiritual growth, not just their initial belief but their ongoing transformation.

The Greek behind Galatians 4:19

  • children (τεκνία, teknia): This word is a tender term, often used for beloved children or disciples. Paul’s use of it highlights his gentle, parental attitude toward the Galatians.
  • birth (ὠδίνω, ōdinō): This verb means to suffer labor pains. Paul is not just working hard; he is experiencing deep, personal anguish for their spiritual well-being.
  • again (πάλιν, palin): The Greek word shows this is not Paul’s first time struggling for them. He has already labored for their faith before, but now he finds himself doing it once more.
  • formed (μορφόω, morphoō): This word means to shape or mold. Paul’s goal is not just that they believe in Christ, but that Christ’s likeness is actually shaped within their lives.

Why Galatians 4:19 matters

  • Galatians 4:19 clears up the idea that spiritual growth is a one-time event; Paul’s language shows it is an ongoing process that can involve setbacks and renewed effort.
  • The verse reveals Paul’s emotional investment and the depth of his pastoral care, not just teaching doctrine but personally suffering for their spiritual maturity.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing why Paul is so concerned about the Galatians turning back to old laws—he wants them to experience the real, inner change that comes from Christ, not just outward religious practices.

Where else these words appear

“birth” Greek G5605 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
  • Revelation 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

“children” Greek G5040 · used in 9 verses

  • John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
  • 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
  • 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

“until” Greek G891 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

“again” Greek G3825 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.