So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Read it in contextThe two women and covenants
Start reading at Galatians 4:21 (Galatians 4:21 to Galatians 4:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul uses an explicitly allegorical reading of Abraham's household to press the contrast between bondage and the freedom of the promised children.
4:21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
4:22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
4:23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
4:24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
4:25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
4:26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
4:27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
4:28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
4:29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
4:31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 3:1–4:31): Paul challenges the Galatian believers about law and faith, using Abraham's family and Israel's law as scriptural examples. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The two women and covenants. Read Galatians 4:21 through Galatians 4:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul uses an explicitly allegorical reading of Abraham's household to press the contrast between bondage and the freedom of the promised children. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The two women and covenants (Galatians 4:21 to Galatians 4:31).
Start reading at Galatians 4:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholeThe reminder of their earlier reception of him exposes the changed relationship and the influence of those seeking to draw them away.
Connection to the wholePaul uses an explicitly allegorical reading of Abraham's household to press the contrast between bondage and the freedom of the promised children.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.