¹ tc The reading τοῦ θεοῦ (tou qeou, “of God”) is well attested in א A C D (F G read θεοῦ without the article) Ψ 0278 33 1739 1881 Ï lat sy co. However, Ì⁴⁶ B d Ambst lack the words. Ì⁴⁶ and B perhaps should not to be given as much weight as they normally are, since the combination of these two witnesses often produces a secondary shorter reading against all others. In addition, one might expect that if the shorter reading were original other variants would have crept into the textual tradition early on. But 104 (a.d. 1087) virtually stands alone with the variant τοῦ Χριστοῦ (tou Cristou, “of Christ”). Nevertheless, if τοῦ θεοῦ were not part of the original text, it is the kind of variant that would be expected to show up early and often, especially in light of Paul’s usage elsewhere (Rom 4:20; 2 Cor 1:20). A slight preference should be given to the τοῦ θεοῦ over the omission. NA²⁷ rightly places the words in brackets, indicating doubts as to their authenticity.

² tn Or “have been based on the law.”

³ tn Or “blessedness.”

⁴ tn The direct object “children” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied for clarity. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

⁵ tn Grk “because more are the children of the barren one than of the one having a husband.”

sn A quotation from Isa 54:1.

⁶ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

⁷ tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used in a generic sense, referring to both men and women.

⁸ tn Or “some transgression” (L&N 88.297).

⁹ sn Who are spiritual refers to people who are controlled and directed by God’s Spirit.

¹⁰ tn Or “with a gentle spirit” or “gently.”

¹¹ tn Grk “taking careful notice.”