Galatians 4:3

So also we, when we were minors, ¹  were enslaved under the basic forces ²  of the world.

So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.

So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world.

That is the way it is with us: When we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives.

So we, when we were young, were kept under the first rules of the world;

So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world.

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

So also we, when we were minors, ¹  were enslaved under the basic forces ²  of the world.

¹ tn See the note on the word “minor” in 4:1.

² tn Or “basic principles,” “elemental things,” or “elemental spirits.” Some interpreters take this as a reference to supernatural powers who controlled nature and/or human fate.