2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.

Other Translations of Galatians 4:2

King James Version

2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

English Standard Version

2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.

The Message

2 he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation.

New King James Version

2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.

New Living Translation

2 They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 4:2

Commentary on Galatians 4:1-7

(Read Galatians 4:1-7)

The apostle deals plainly with those who urged the law of Moses together with the gospel of Christ, and endeavoured to bring believers under its bondage. They could not fully understand the meaning of the law as given by Moses. And as that was a dispensation of darkness, so of bondage; they were tied to many burdensome rites and observances, by which they were taught and kept subject like a child under tutors and governors. We learn the happier state of Christians under the gospel dispensation. From these verses see the wonders of Divine love and mercy; particularly of God the Father, in sending his Son into the world to redeem and save us; of the Son of God, in submitting so low, and suffering so much for us; and of the Holy Spirit, in condescending to dwell in the hearts of believers, for such gracious purposes. Also, the advantages Christians enjoy under the gospel. Although by nature children of wrath and disobedience, they become by grace children of love, and partake of the nature of the children of God; for he will have all his children resemble him. Among men the eldest son is heir; but all God's children shall have the inheritance of eldest sons. May the temper and conduct of sons ever show our adoption; and may the Holy Spirit witness with our spirits that we are children and heirs of God.