Primary Scripture
Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Plain explanation
Weak and beggarly elements are pagan and worldly bondage, not YAHUAH's commandments.
Common assumption
Weak and beggarly elements means Sabbath, feasts, and Torah.
Scripture-defined meaning
Galatians 4:9 warns Gentile believers not to return to weak and beggarly elements they served before knowing YAHUAH. Those pagan elements are not YAHUAH's Sabbath, feasts, or commandments.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Galatians 4:8,11
Paul identifies the former condition as bondage to beings that were not gods and fears a return to that slavery. - Lexical usage: Colossians 2:8,20
Paul uses worldly-elements language for philosophy, human tradition, and man-made religious rules. - Prophetic purpose: Jeremiah 10:2
The prophet warns YAHUAH's people not to learn the way of the nations. - Apostolic confirmation: 1 Corinthians 10:20-21
Paul identifies pagan worship as fellowship with devils and forbids believers from returning to it.
Takeaway
Do not confuse pagan elements and man-made religion with YAHUAH's appointed ways.
Context reflection
Where has YAHUAH's appointed rhythm been mislabeled as bondage?