Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

GALATIANS 4:7KJV
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Galatians 4:7 (KJV)

What does Galatians 4:7 mean?

Galatians 4:7 says that believers in Christ are no longer considered servants, but sons, and because they are sons, they are also heirs of God through Christ. This means that their relationship with God has changed from one of servitude to one of family, with all the rights and privileges that come with being a child and heir.

Paul is writing to the Galatian Christians, reminding them that faith in Christ brings them into a new status before God. In the surrounding verses, Paul explains that before Christ, people were like children under guardians, but now, through Jesus, they have full rights as sons and daughters. The verse emphasizes a shift from a position of obligation and distance to one of belonging and inheritance.

The Greek behind Galatians 4:7

  • The word for "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which often means a slave or bondservant, someone without rights in the household. Paul uses this to contrast the old relationship with God, which was more about duty and law.
  • The word for "son" is υἱός (huios), meaning a full son with legal standing, not just a child by age but one who has the rights of inheritance.
  • The word for "heir" is κληρονόμος (klēronomos), which refers to someone who receives an inheritance. Paul highlights that believers now have a share in what God gives, not as outsiders but as rightful heirs.
  • The phrase "through Christ" uses the word Χριστός (Christos), pointing out that this new status and inheritance come only because of what Jesus has done.

Why Galatians 4:7 matters

  • Galatians 4:7 clears up the misunderstanding that believers must relate to God as mere servants, showing instead that they have a close, family relationship with Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that this new status is not earned by following rules, but is given through Christ, which is a key point in Paul's letter to the Galatians.
  • It connects to the larger argument in Galatians that faith in Christ brings freedom and full acceptance, not just a place in God's household, but the rights and inheritance of a true child.

Where else these words appear

“heir” Greek G2818 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
  • Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“Wherefore” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

“art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.