The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
8 Earlier, before you knew God personally, you were enslaved to so-called gods that had nothing of the divine about them.
8
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
9 But now that you know the real God - or rather since God knows you - how can you possibly subject yourselves again to those paper tigers?
9
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?
10 For that is exactly what you do when you are intimidated into scrupulously observing all the traditions, taboos, and superstitions associated with special days and seasons and years.
10
You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
11 I am afraid that all my hard work among you has gone up in a puff of smoke!
11
I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
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.