Young's Literal Translation YLT
New International Version NIV
1 And I say, so long time as the heir is a babe, he differeth nothing from a servant -- being lord of all,
1
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 tutors and stewards till the time appointed of the father,
2
The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.
3 so also we, when we were babes, under the elements of the world were in servitude,
3
So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
4 and when the fulness of time did come, God sent forth His Son, come of a woman, come under law,
4
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 that those under law he may redeem, that the adoption of sons we may receive;
5
to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
6 and because ye are sons, God did send forth the spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, `Abba, Father!'
6
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 more a servant, but a son, and if a son, also an heir of God through Christ.
7
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 But then, indeed, not having known God, ye were in servitude to those not by nature gods,
8
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
9 and now, having known God -- and rather being known by God -- how turn ye again unto the weak and poor elements to which anew ye desire to be in servitude?
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?
Young's Literal Translation 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.