SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:8
¶ Antes, en otro tiempo, no conociendo a Dios, servíais a los que por naturaleza no son dioses;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Galatians 4:8
Verse 8. When ye knew not God] Though it is evident, from the complexion of the whole of this epistle, that the great body of the Christians in the Churches of Galatia were converts from among the Jews or proselytes to Judaism; yet from this verse it appears that there were some who had been converted from heathenism; unless we suppose that the apostle here particularly addresses those who had been proselytes to Judaism and thence converted to Christianity; which appears to be most likely from the following verses.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 8. Howbeit then, when ye know not God , etc..] Whilst in Gentilism, and in a state of unregeneracy, they had no true knowledge of God; though they might know by the light of nature, and works of creation, that there was a God, yet they did not know who he was, but called either mortal men, or some one or other of the creatures, or stocks, and stones, and images of men's device, by this name; they knew not the God of Israel; they did not know God in Christ, and are therefore said to be without him; and a common description of them it is, that they knew not God: and whilst this was their case, what follows was true of them, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods ; only by name, and in the opinion of men, but have no divinity in them, are only called gods, mere nominal, fictitious deities, who have nothing of the nature and essence of God in them; for there is but one God by nature and essence, the Father, Son, and Spirit; all others have only the name and appearance, but not the truth of deity; and these the Gentiles in their times of ignorance did “service” to, which is what the Jews call hrz hdwb[ , “strange service”; that is, idolatry, concerning which there is a whole treatise in the Talmud, and which bears that name f86 . This service lay in paying homage to them, worshipping of them, and performing various rites and ceremonies in a way of adoration, and which they reckoned religious service; and which, comparatively speaking, whilst in this state of blindness, was excusable in them; though it is a wonderful instance of grace that such idolaters should be the sons of God.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 8-11 - The happy change whereby the Galatians were turned from idols to the living God, and through Christ had received the adoption of sons, wa the effect of his free and rich grace; they were laid under the greate obligation to keep to the liberty wherewith he had made them free. All our knowledge of God begins on his part; we know him because we ar known of him. Though our religion forbids idolatry, yet many practis spiritual idolatry in their hearts. For what a man loves most, an cares most for, that is his god: some have their riches for their god some their pleasures, and some their lusts. And many ignorantly worshi a god of their own making; a god made all of mercy and no justice. For they persuade themselves that there is mercy for them with God, thoug they repent not, but go on in their sins. It is possible for those wh have made great professions of religion, to be afterwards drawn asid from purity and simplicity. And the more mercy God has shown, in bringing any to know the gospel, and the liberties and privileges of it, the greater their sin and folly in suffering themselves to be deprived of them. Hence all who are members of the outward churc should learn to fear and to suspect themselves. We must not be conten because we have some good things in ourselves. Paul fears lest his labour is in vain, yet he still labours; and thus to do, whateve follows, is true wisdom and the fear of God. This every man mus remember in his place and calling.
Greek Textus Receptus
αλλα 235 τοτε 5119 μεν 3303 ουκ 3756 ειδοτες 1492 5761 θεον 2316 εδουλευσατε 1398 5656 τοις 3588 μη 3361 φυσει 5449 ουσιν 5607 5752 θεοις 2316
Vincent's NT Word Studies
8. Over against their filial freedom in Christ, Paul sets their lapse into subjection to the elements of the world (verse 3).
Knew not God. See on 2 Thess. i. 8.
Ye did service (edouleusate). Better, were in bondage or were slaves. By nature (fusei). Not denying their existence (comp. 1 Cor. viii. 5) but their deity. Emphasis on by nature. Comp. 1 Cor. x. 20.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:8 {To them which by nature are not gods} (tois fusei me ousi qeois). In #1Co 10:20 he terms them "demons," the "so-called gods" (#1Co 8:5), worshipping images made by hands (#Ac 17:29).
