Galatians 4:22

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

For {G1063} it is written {G1125}, that {G3754} Abraham {G11} had {G2192} two {G1417} sons {G5207}, the one {G1520} by {G1537} a bondmaid {G3814},{G2532} the other {G1520} by {G1537} a freewoman {G1658}.

It says that Avraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.

Galatians 4:22 serves as the opening statement for a significant allegory Paul uses to illustrate the core message of his letter: the contrast between legalism and grace. Here, Paul directly quotes or references Old Testament scripture, specifically the account of Abraham, to lay the groundwork for his theological argument.

Context

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul is vehemently defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone, countering false teachers (Judaizers) who insisted that Gentile Christians must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, for salvation. To underscore his point that true spiritual heritage comes through promise and not through adherence to the Law, Paul introduces an allegorical interpretation of the historical family of Abraham. This verse simply states the historical fact that Abraham had two sons, setting the stage for the deeper spiritual meaning he will unveil in the following verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Historical Foundation for Allegory: The verse establishes a historical fact from Genesis (specifically Genesis 16 and Genesis 21) that Paul will use to teach a profound spiritual truth. This shows Paul's deep understanding and application of Old Testament narratives.
  • The Two Covenants Foreshadowed: Though not explicit in this single verse, the mention of the "bondmaid" (Hagar) and the "freewoman" (Sarah) immediately sets up the allegorical distinction between the two covenants: the covenant of Law (represented by Hagar and Ishmael) and the covenant of Promise/Grace (represented by Sarah and Isaac). This is central to Paul's argument for justification by faith.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV accurately translates the Greek terms: paidiskē for "bondmaid" (a female slave or servant) and eleuthera for "freewoman." These terms carry significant weight in Paul's allegory, directly correlating to states of spiritual bondage versus spiritual freedom. The distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of the old covenant (Law) and the new covenant (Grace).

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

While this verse is a historical statement, it introduces a powerful spiritual lesson for believers today. It reminds us that our spiritual lineage is not determined by adherence to a set of rules or external practices (like the Law), but by our relationship with God through faith in Christ, which brings true freedom. We are called to be children of the promise, not of bondage.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 16:15

    ¶ And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

  • Genesis 21:10

    Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

  • Genesis 21:1

    ¶ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

  • Genesis 21:2

    For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

  • Genesis 16:2

    And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

  • Genesis 16:4

    ¶ And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
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