American Standard Version ASV
New International Version NIV
1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a bondservant though he is lord of all;
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What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate.
2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed of the father.
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The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.
3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world:
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So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
4 but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
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But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
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to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
6 And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
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Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
7 So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
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So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
8 Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods:
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Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
9 but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
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But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces ? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.