but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Parallel translations
- KJV I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
- BSB how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.
- NKJV I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
- NASB but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you!
- NLT I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul wishes he could be with them to speak more gently, for he is perplexed about their condition. His frustration is mingled with deep affection.
Overview
Paul longs for face-to-face presence so he might better gauge their state and adjust his tone. His perplexity shows the genuine difficulty of pastoring people who are drifting from the gospel. The verse conveys the warmth and vulnerability of an apostle who cares more for their souls than for winning an argument at a distance.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- 1 Th 2:17–18But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,
- 1 Cor 4:19–21But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
- 1 Th 3:9For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;
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Christ at the center
Christ became a curse for us to redeem us from the law's curse, that we might receive the Spirit and be sons — justified by faith in him, not by works.
How Galatians 4:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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