Galatians 4:23

But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.

But {G235} he {G3303} who was of {G1537} the bondwoman {G3814} was born {G1080} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561}; but {G1161} he of {G1537} the freewoman {G1658} was by {G1223} promise {G1860}.

The one by the slave woman was born according to the limited capabilities of human beings, but the one by the free woman was born through the miracle-working power of God fulfilling his promise.

His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.

Howbeit the son by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise.

Context of Galatians 4:23

Galatians 4:23 is part of a profound allegory presented by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Paul is addressing the issue of Judaizers who were attempting to persuade Gentile Christians to adopt Mosaic Law practices, such as circumcision, for salvation or spiritual maturity. To counter this, Paul uses the historical account of Abraham and his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, as a spiritual illustration. This verse specifically introduces the contrasting circumstances of their births, setting the stage for Paul's argument about the two covenants: the Law (represented by Hagar and Ishmael) and the Promise/Grace (represented by Sarah and Isaac).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Promise vs. Human Effort: This verse highlights the fundamental difference between Ishmael's birth, which resulted from human planning and impatience (Abraham and Sarah's attempt to fulfill God's promise through Hagar, as seen in Genesis 16:2), and Isaac's birth, which was a miraculous fulfillment of God's direct promise, born when Sarah was beyond childbearing age (Genesis 21:2). Ishmael represents reliance on human ability ("born after the flesh"), while Isaac represents God's supernatural faithfulness ("by promise").
  • Allegory of Covenants: Paul employs this historical contrast as an allegory for the two covenants. The "bondwoman" (Hagar) and her son (Ishmael) symbolize the Old Covenant given at Mount Sinai, which brings bondage through the Law. The "freewoman" (Sarah) and her son (Isaac) symbolize the New Covenant of grace and freedom in Christ, which is received by faith in God's promise. This distinction underscores that true spiritual inheritance comes through divine promise, not human works.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "born after the flesh" translates the Greek katà sárka (κατὰ σάρκα), which denotes birth according to natural, human means or ability. It signifies a result achieved through human effort and natural processes, rather than divine intervention. Conversely, "by promise" is from the Greek di’ epangelías (δι’ ἐπαγγελίας), emphasizing that Isaac's birth was entirely due to God's specific, supernatural commitment and word, highlighting divine initiative and fulfillment.

Practical Application

Galatians 4:23 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding the source of their salvation and spiritual life. It warns against the temptation to rely on human effort, religious rituals, or adherence to legalistic rules (like the Law) to achieve righteousness or spiritual standing with God. Instead, it directs us to fully trust in God's unmerited favor and His promises, which are fulfilled through Christ. Our spiritual inheritance and freedom come not from what we do, but from what God has done and promised. This understanding should lead to a life of gratitude and freedom, founded on the liberating truth of the gospel.

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.

  • Hebrews 11:11

    Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

  • Romans 9:7

    Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Romans 9:8

    That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

  • Genesis 18:10

    And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

  • Genesis 18:14

    Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

  • 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.

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