In Greek literature, principles
(otherwise translated as elements
) can refer to powers of the universe, angelic powers, or astral bodies that were believed to have influence over the lives of persons. It can also refer to elementary teachings or rudimentary principles of morality and religion.1 This seems to be the way in which Paul uses the word. Weak and worthless elementary principles are then the rules and regulations by means of which both Jews and Gentiles attempted to achieve salvation and ensure future life with God in glory.2 In this verse, Paul is primarily referring to Gentile believers who have come out of paganism. He considers a return to the old covenant (Galatians 4:10) to be equivalent to going back to paganism and renouncing the faith (2 Peter 2:22).3
9 mais à présent que vous avez connu Dieu, ou plutôt que vous avez été connus de Dieu, comment retournez-vous à ces faibles et pauvres principes élémentaires auxquels vous voulez vous asservir encore?