But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly [powerless to save] elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? … These things may be treated as an allegory for these are the two covenants … For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers [corresponds] to Jerusalem which now is, and [Hagar] is in [spiritual] bondage with her children. … If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. [Galatians 4:9, 24, 25; 5:25]
Elements
Elements specifically refers to the first principle[s] in a series to which the elements of that series “take their rise” or belong [ejusdem generis*]. In the context Paul was referencing the first few in a list of Jewish religious practices. The Amplified Bible reads: “elemental principles [of religions and philosophies].”
The Allegory
Paul makes his point using the allegory** [Galatians 4:24]. We learn by comparison. So here, Paul begins by referencing the festivals, “days, and months, and times, and years” [Galatians 4:10] and compares their power to redeem us to the Spirit’s work in us. Religious celebrations are powerless to save. He called them “weak and beggarly” [Galatians 4:9]. To explain, in an analogy the Galatians would understand, he contrasts Hagar’s son with Isaac and the City of Jerusalem compared to the New Jerusalem. The King James says “answers to” [Galatians 4:25] or corresponds to the City of Jerusalem.
The List
On the term translated “answers to” or “corresponding to,” Pythagorus, I am told, gives the best example of the use of this word. when he listed opposing principles in 2 columns, thusly:
Using Paul’s comparison: He lists elements describing Ishmael’s descendants and the opposing list regarding Isaac:
What is Paul telling us?
Our Christian Experience
We must not relegate our Christian experience to only a Sunday Morning Service. We are always in danger of investing too much interest and value in Christian ritual. Much time during the week is spent in choreographing or orchestrating the “elements” of that weekly gathering and maybe less effort in prayer and study of the Word. Paul for the third time in these closing chapters of his epistle used our word translated “elements” in Galatians 5:25 to refer to our behavior as Spirit-led believers. The ESV interprets this to mean that we should stay in step with the Spirit’s leadership. Not a bad thought:
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in [behave in accordance with] the Spirit.”
We might list the elements of our Christian experience in 2 columns: One Ritual and the other Spiritual. Which side has our attention more?
…walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham – Romans 4:12
.. as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy – Galatians 6:16
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* Ejusdem Generis” If a law refers to automobiles, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and other motor-powered vehicles, a court might use ejusdem generis to hold that such vehicles would not include airplanes.
**allegory – picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.
