But now to continue is literally “but I say” (Jerusalem Bible “Let me put this another way”), a type of expression which Paul frequently uses to introduce an expansion or explanation of a previous argument (compare 3.17; 5.16; Rom 15.8; 1 Cor 1.12). One may also say “I would also like to say,” or “But I will continue what I was just saying.”
The son who will receive his father’s property translates the one word “heir.” The main problem in retaining this word in translation is the implication that the father is dead. While it can be proved from Roman law that property was transferred to a son only on the death of the father, this understanding cannot be applied here. It would create serious difficulties, particularly with the application of the illustration later in this section, for it would imply that God had died. It is more likely that Paul has in mind a situation where the father, for some reason, establishes a guardianship while he is still alive. In such a case, the word “heir” would simply refer to the son who would eventually receive his father’s property. It is also possible to translate “heir” as “the son who has received what his father has promised to give him,” or “… the property which his father has promised to give him.”
The phrase while he is young involves a Greek word which literally means “infant” or “babe.” It includes components of intellectual and moral immaturity. Many commentators suggest that Paul is using the word here in much the same way as in 1 Corinthians 3.1. However, in view of the context, it is more likely that what Paul has in mind here is the child’s characteristic as a “minor” (as in New English Bible), that is, the child is not old enough to assume legal responsibilities (compare New American Bible “not of age”; Moffatt “under age”). In a number of languages one may use “while he is still a small child.” However, in other instances it is preferable to use a designation which indicates clearly his being literally “before maturity,” expressed in some languages as “before he can act as a man,” “before he sits with the men,” or “before he takes his place among men.”
The phrase is treated just like a slave refers primarily to legal status. The child, being a minor, cannot perform any act except through his legal representatives. However, he differs from a slave in that even though he has no freedom of action, he still owns everything. Potentially, he is the owner of his property, but in actual practice others make decisions for him.
A literal translation of is treated just like a slave, would imply in some languages that the son is ordered about, beaten, and forced to endure privations, even as slaves are generally treated. It may be necessary to say, therefore, “he has no legal rights; he is just like a slave,” or, idiomatically, “he cannot speak in the council of elders; he is just like a slave.”
Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .