Gálatas 4

Gálatas 4

Garland comments on this passage noting that "Although Scripture is replete with instances of women experiencing birth pangs, this is one instance where the pain is both symbolic and literal for it finds its fulfillment in the virgin birth of Christ by Mary." (See complete comment for more detailed explanation). Gilbrant - At first this ancient word most likely meant to suffer birth pangs during labor. In secular Greek literature it is used in this sense; however, in a broader, almost metaphoric sense it expresses the emergence of pain, travail, and sorrow from any cause (Bertram, “ōdin,” Kittel, 9:667). In the Septuagint ōdinō predominately translates chîl, “to writhe, be in labor,” or “give birth.” It is generally used in reference to the act of giving birth, often with emphasis on the pain and anguish involved. For instance, Isaiah 66:7 says, “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains (ōdin) come upon her, she delivers a son” (NIV). The woman avoids the anguish of childbirth expressed by ōdinō. Elsewhere ōdinō can refer merely the process of childbirth without the emphasis on pain: “Thy mother brought thee forth” (Song of Solomon 8:5). In the New Testament the verb occurs only three times (Galatians 4:19,27; Revelation 12:2), although its related noun appears in four other passages. In Galatians 4:19 Paul described his anguish and concern for the believers as “suffering birth pangs.” The pregnant woman in Revelation 12:2 suffers birth pangs. Donald Campbell on Christ is formed in you - This expression describes the Christian life as a kind of reincarnation of Christ in a believer’s life. This is in fact God’s ideal and purpose—for Christ to live His life in and then through each believer (cf. Gal. 2:20). (See context in Bible Knowledge Commentary) Martin Luther on until Christ is formed in you - “The Word of God falling from the lips of the apostle or minister enters into the heart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost impregnates the Word so that it brings forth the fruit of faith. In this manner every Christian pastor is a spiritual father who forms Christ in the hearts of his hearers.”