¹ tn No subject and verb are expressed in vv. 4-5, but the phrase “Now this matter arose,” implied from v. 3, was supplied to make a complete English sentence.

² tn The adjective παρεισάκτους (pareisaktou"), which relates to someone joining a group with false motives or false pretenses, applies to the “false brothers.” Although the expression “false brothers with false pretenses” is somewhat redundant, it captures the emphatic force of Paul’s expression, which labels both these “brothers” as false (ψευδαδέλφους, yeudadelfou") as well as their motives. See L&N 34.29 for more information.

³ tn The verb translated here as “spy on” (κατασκοπέω, kataskopew) can have a neutral nuance, but here the connotation is certainly negative (so F. F. Bruce, Galatians [NIGTC], 112-13, and E. Burton, Galatians [ICC], 83).

⁴ tn Grk “in order that they might enslave us.” The ἵνα (Jina) clause with the subjunctive verb καταδουλώσουσιν (katadoulwsousin) has been translated as an English infinitival clause.

⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

⁶ tn Grk “I speak according to man,” referring to the illustration that follows.

⁷ tn The same Greek word, διαθήκη (diaqhkh), can mean either “covenant” or “will,” but in this context the former is preferred here because Paul is discussing in vv. 16-18 the Abrahamic covenant.

⁸ tn Or “has been put into effect.”

⁹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

¹⁰ tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women.

¹¹ tn Or “some transgression” (L&N 88.297).

¹² sn Who are spiritual refers to people who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit.

¹³ tn Or “with a gentle spirit” or “gently.”

¹⁴ tn Grk “taking careful notice.”