NRSV uses the translation “elemental spirits” in Galatians
4:3 but has a footnote offering “rudiments” as an alternative. As I have been
mediating on Galatians 3:23-4:7 (the lectionary Epistle for the first Sunday of
Christmastide this year), it struck me that “rudiments” might fit better with
the idea of the Law as disciplinarian or guardian in the rest of the passage. “Rudiments”
suggests the need to learn the basics on the way to mature freedom. However,
the “elemental spirits” translation points to an interpretation that this
refers to diabolical evil spirits to which the Galatians (and all outside of
faith) are imprisoned. The reference in 4:8 to “beings that are by nature not
gods” does seem to fit this interpretation of demonic beings. But 4:9 again
used “elemental spirits” with the footnote alternative “rudiments.” If “rudiments”
is a better translation, it fits with the theme of maturing into faith rather
than being captive of moral evil, which seems consistent with the modern work
on moral development by the likes of Kohlberg and Fowler, moving from external
to internal value structures.
Interestingly, in the Gospel reading for this week from John
1:1-18, v. 17 speaks of the Law coming by Moses and grace and truth by Christ.
When juxtaposed with the Galatians passage, this makes for some fruitful
meditation on the function of Law and grace in God’s economy.
I did some brief internet research on the background and
various translations to see if a preference for the “rudiments” or “elemental
spirits” was clearer. From what I found, it would seem to be able to go either
way. Some suggested that the “elemental spirits” were not diabolical but human
philosophy. I’d be interested in any insights from others who may have a better
grip on Greek than I do.
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