Paul uses this question to remind the Galatians that when they were suffering, they believed that they would receive some benefit. Alternate translation: "Surely you did not think that you were suffering so many things for nothing ... !" or "Surely you knew that there was some good purpose for suffering so many things ... !" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
It can be stated clearly that they had suffered these things because of people who opposed them for their faith in Christ. Alternate translation: "Have you suffered so many things by those who opposed you for your faith in Christ for nothing" or "You believed in Christ, and you suffered many things by those who oppose Christ. Were your belief and suffering for nothing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
Possible meanings are 1) Paul uses this rhetorical question to warn them not to let their experiences be for nothing. Alternate translation: "Do not let it be for nothing!" or "Do not stop believing in Jesus Christ and let your suffering be for nothing." or 2) Paul uses this question to assure them that their suffering was not for nothing. Alternate translation: "It was certainly not for nothing!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
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