Click
here to show/hide instructions.
Instructions on how to use the page:
The commentary for the selected verse is is displayed below.
All commentary was produced against the King James, so the same verse from that translation may appear as well. Hovering your mouse over a commentary's scripture reference attempts to show those verses.
Use the browser's back button to return to the previous page.
Or you can also select a feature from the Just Verses menu appearing at the top of the page.
Selected Verse: Galatians 4:20 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Ga 4:20 |
King James |
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Translate as Greek, "I could wish." If circumstances permitted (which they do not), I would gladly be with you [M. STUART].
now--as I was twice already. Speaking face to face is so much more effective towards loving persuasion than writing (Jo2 1:12; Jo3 1:13-14).
change my voice--as a mother (Gal 4:19): adapting my tone of voice to what I saw in person your case might need. This is possible to one present, but not to one in writing [GROTIUS and ESTIUS].
I stand in doubt of you--rather, "I am perplexed about you," namely, how to deal with you, what kind of words to use, gentle or severe, to bring you back to the right path. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
I desire to be present with you now - They had lost much by his absence; they had changed their views; they had in some measure become alienated from him; and he wishes that he might be again with them, as he was before. He would hope to accomplish much more by his personal presence than he could by letter.
And to change my voice - That is, from complaint and censure, to tones of entire confidence.
For I stand in doubt of you - Margin, "I am perplexed for you." On the meaning of the word used here, see the note at Co2 4:8. The sense is plain. Paul had much reason to doubt the sincerity and the solidity of their Christian principles, and he was deeply anxious on that account. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
I desire (ἤθελον)
Better, I could wish, the imperfect tense referring to a suppressed conditional clause, as if it were possible. Comp. Act 25:22; Rom 9:3.
To change my voice (ἀλλάξαι τὴν φωνήν μου)
To address you, not with my former severity, so as to make you think me your enemy, but affectionately, as a mother speaks to her children, yet still telling them the truth (ἀληθεύων).
I stand in doubt of you (ἀποροῦμαι ἐν ὑμῖν)
Lit. I am perplexed in you. For this use of ἐν, comp. Co2 7:16; Gal 1:24. Paul's perplexity is conceived as taking place in the readers. For the verb, see on Mar 6:20; see on Co2 4:8. Paul means: "I am puzzled how to deal with you; how to find entrance to your hearts. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
I could wish to be present with you now - Particularly in this exigence. And to change - Variously to attemper. My voice - He writes with much softness; but he would speak with more. The voice may more easily be varied according to the occasion than a letter can. For I stand in doubt of you - So that I am at a loss how to speak at this distance. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
I desire to be present with you - I wish to accommodate my doctrine to your state; I know not whether you need stronger reprehension, or to be dealt with more leniently.
I stand in doubt of you - I have doubts concerning your state; the progress of error and conviction among you, which I cannot fully know without being among you, This appears to be the apostle's meaning, and tends much to soften and render palatable the severity of his reproofs. |
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
24 And they glorified God in me.
16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.