Galatians 4:20

I desire [η θ ε λ ο ν]. Better, I could wish, the imperfect tense referring to a suppressed conditional clause, as if it were possible. Comp. Acts 25:22; Romans 9:3.

To change my voice [α λ λ α ξ α ι τ η ν φ ω ν η ν μ ο υ]. 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 [α λ η θ ε υ ω ν].

I stand in doubt of you [α π ο ρ ο υ μ α ι ε ν υ μ ι ν]. Lit. I am perplexed in you. For this use of ejn, comp. 2 Corinthians 7:16; Galatians 1:24. Paul's perplexity is conceived as taking place in the readers. For the verb, see on Mark 6:20; 2 Corinthians 4:8. Paul means : " I am puzzled how to deal with you; how to find entrance to your hearts.

21 - 31. Paul now defends the principle of Christian freedom from the law by means of an allegorical interpretation of the history of Abraham's two sons. He meets the Jusaisers on their own Old Testament ground, going back to the statement of chapter Galatians 3:7.