1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,

though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and

managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, [c] were enslaved to the elementary principles of the

world. 4 But [d] when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, [e] born [f] of woman, born [g] under the law, 5 [h] to redeem those who

were under the law, so that we might receive [i] adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent [j] the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,

crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then [k] an heir through God.

8 Formerly, when you [l] did not know God, you [m] were enslaved to those

that by nature [n] are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather [o] to be known by God, [p] how can you turn back again to [q] the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves

you want to be once more? 10 [r] You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid [s] I may have labored over you in vain.

Galatians 4:1-11 ESV