Galatians 4:25

KJV

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this Agar {G28} is {G2076} mount {G3735} Sinai {G4614} in {G1722} Arabia {G688}, and {G1161} answereth {G4960} to Jerusalem {G2419} which {G3588} now is {G3568}, and {G1161} is in bondage {G1398} with {G3326} her {G846} children {G5043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Yerushalayim, for she serves as a slave along with her children.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.

American Standard Version

Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Galatians 4:25, the Apostle Paul continues his profound allegorical argument, identifying Hagar, the bondwoman, with Mount Sinai in Arabia and "Jerusalem which now is." This powerful connection underscores Paul's central thesis that the Old Covenant, represented by the giving of the Law at Sinai and the prevailing legalistic system in Jerusalem, results in spiritual bondage for those who seek righteousness through its observance. The verse serves as a stark contrast to the freedom and true sonship found in the New Covenant of grace through faith in Christ, which is symbolized by Sarah and the "Jerusalem which is above."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 4:25 is an integral part of Paul's extended allegory, introduced in [Galatians 4:21-31](/galatians/4-21-31 "Galatians 4:21-31 - The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah"), where he uses the historical account of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael (born of Hagar, the bondwoman) and Isaac (born of Sarah, the free woman), to illustrate the two covenants. This specific verse directly links Hagar to Mount Sinai, the place where the Mosaic Law was given, and to "Jerusalem which now is," representing the contemporary Jewish system that adhered to the Law as a means of righteousness. Paul's aim is to dismantle the arguments of the Judaizers in Galatia who were compelling Gentile believers to adopt Jewish legal practices, particularly circumcision, as necessary for salvation or spiritual perfection. The verse logically precedes the identification of Sarah with the "Jerusalem which is above" in [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - The Jerusalem Which Is Above"), thereby setting up the climactic contrast between bondage and freedom, law and grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early Christian church grappling with its relationship to its Jewish roots, specifically the role of the Mosaic Law. The Judaizers, likely Jewish Christians, insisted that Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and observe other aspects of the Law to be true followers of Christ. Mount Sinai, located in the Arabian Peninsula, was the revered site where God gave the Law to Moses ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Mount Sinai")). "Jerusalem which now is" refers to the earthly city of Jerusalem, which, at the time of Paul's writing, was the center of Jewish religious life and the locus of the legalistic interpretation of the Law that Paul was combating. This earthly Jerusalem, with its temple and sacrificial system, had become, in Paul's allegorical framework, a symbol of the covenant of Law that brought spiritual servitude rather than the promised freedom in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. Firstly, it solidifies the **Allegory of Covenants**, presenting Hagar/Sinai/Earthly Jerusalem as the Old Covenant of Law, which produces children of bondage, in stark contrast to the New Covenant of Grace, which produces children of freedom through faith. Secondly, it highlights the **Bondage of the Law**, arguing that attempts to achieve righteousness through legal observance inevitably lead to spiritual slavery, rather than the liberation found in Christ ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Liberty")). Thirdly, it establishes the crucial distinction between the **Earthly and Heavenly Jerusalem**, portraying the former as bound by the Law and the latter as the mother of all who are free in Christ ([Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Finally, by explicitly linking Hagar to Mount Sinai, Paul underscores that the **Law's Purpose was not Salvation**, but rather to reveal sin and lead humanity to Christ, functioning as a "guardian" or "tutor" until faith came ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Agar (Greek, _Ágar'_):** This refers to Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarah, who bore Ishmael to Abraham. Paul uses her not merely as a historical figure but as a symbolic representation of the Old Covenant, the Law, and its inability to bring forth children of promise or freedom. Her status as a bondwoman is crucial to the allegory.
* **answereth (Greek, _systoichéō'_):** This verb means "to stand in the same rank with," "to correspond to," or "to be in the same category as." It denotes a direct spiritual and allegorical parallel, not a geographical one. Paul is asserting that Hagar, Mount Sinai, and "Jerusalem which now is" are spiritually aligned, all representing the same principle of legalism and bondage under the Law.
* **is in bondage (Greek, _douleúō'_):** Derived from the word for "slave" (δοῦλος, _doulos_), this term means "to be a slave to" or "to be in bondage." It powerfully conveys the spiritual condition of those who live under the Law, seeking to earn righteousness through works. Paul argues that such a pursuit does not lead to freedom but to a state of servitude, bound by the demands and curse of the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia":** Paul directly equates Hagar with Mount Sinai, the geographical location in Arabia where the Mosaic Law was given. This connection is allegorical, not literal. Hagar, as the bondwoman, symbolizes the covenant established at Sinai—the Law—which, in Paul's theology, brought forth children into a state of spiritual servitude. The mention of "Arabia" further emphasizes the distinctness and otherness of this covenant from the promise given to Abraham.
* **"and answereth to Jerusalem which now is":** This clause extends the allegorical connection, stating that Hagar (and by extension, the Sinai covenant) "corresponds to" or "is in the same category as" the present-day earthly Jerusalem. This refers to the Jewish religious system of Paul's time, which clung to the Law as the means of righteousness and salvation. This "Jerusalem which now is" represents the legalistic mindset that Paul vehemently opposes, viewing it as a source of spiritual bondage.
* **"and is in bondage with her children":** The final phrase explicitly states the consequence of being aligned with Hagar, Sinai, and the earthly Jerusalem: spiritual bondage. Those who seek to be justified by the Law are enslaved by its demands and its inability to provide true freedom or righteousness. Their "children" are those who follow this path, perpetuating the cycle of servitude rather than experiencing the liberty found in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Galatians 4:25 is **Allegory**. Paul uses the historical figures of Hagar and Sarah, along with geographical locations like Mount Sinai and Jerusalem, to represent abstract theological concepts: the Old Covenant of Law versus the New Covenant of Grace. This is not a simple comparison but an extended narrative where characters and settings stand for deeper spiritual realities. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**, where Hagar, Mount Sinai, and "Jerusalem which now is" are powerful symbols of the Law and the spiritual bondage it imposes when viewed as a means of salvation. Conversely, though not explicitly in this verse, Sarah and the "Jerusalem which is above" symbolize freedom and the New Covenant. This allegorical framework allows Paul to convey complex theological truths in a vivid and memorable way, making his argument against legalism both intellectually compelling and emotionally resonant for his audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 4:25 is a theological linchpin in Paul's argument for justification by faith alone. It firmly establishes the Law, as represented by Hagar and Mount Sinai, as a covenant that produces spiritual bondage, not freedom. This is not to say the Law is evil, but that its purpose was never to provide life or righteousness; rather, it was to reveal sin and lead humanity to Christ. The "Jerusalem which now is" symbolizes the human tendency to rely on works, rituals, or lineage for salvation, a path that ultimately leads to spiritual slavery. This verse underscores the radical nature of the New Covenant in Christ, which offers complete freedom from the Law's curse and demands, establishing a new identity for believers as children of promise, not of legalistic obligation. It highlights the profound shift from a covenant of works to a covenant of grace, emphasizing that true spiritual inheritance comes through divine promise and faith, not human effort.

* [Romans 7:4-6](/romans/7-4-6 "Romans 7:4-6 - Dead to the Law, Alive in Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 3:6-9](/2_corinthians/3-6-9 "2 Corinthians 3:6-9 - The Ministry of the Spirit vs. the Ministry of Condemnation")
* [Hebrews 12:18-24](/hebrews/12-18-24 "Hebrews 12:18-24 - Mount Sinai vs. Mount Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 4:25 serves as a timeless warning against any system or mindset that seeks to add human effort, rules, or rituals to the finished work of Christ for salvation or spiritual standing. It challenges us to examine where our security and identity truly lie: in adherence to a set of external commands, or in the liberating grace of God received through faith in Jesus. If we, like the "Jerusalem which now is," cling to our own performance or religious traditions as a basis for our relationship with God, we risk remaining in spiritual bondage, missing the profound freedom and sonship offered in Christ. This verse calls us to embrace fully our status as children of the free woman, living by the Spirit and not by the flesh, and to guard against any form of legalism, whether overt or subtle, that would diminish the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Our spiritual inheritance is not earned but given, a gift of grace that empowers us to live in true liberty and joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own efforts or adherence to rules rather than God's grace?**
* **How does understanding the "bondage" of the Law help me appreciate the "freedom" I have in Christ even more deeply?**
* **What "earthly Jerusalems" or legalistic tendencies might I be clinging to, consciously or unconsciously, that hinder my spiritual growth or joy?**
* **How can I live more fully as a child of the "Jerusalem which is above," embracing the freedom and spiritual inheritance that comes through faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul connecting Hagar to Mount Sinai and "Jerusalem which now is"?**

Answer: Paul's connection is allegorical, not geographical. He uses Hagar, Mount Sinai, and "Jerusalem which now is" as symbols of the Old Covenant, the Law, and the legalistic system of Judaism prevalent in his day. Mount Sinai was where the Law was given ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law")), and Hagar represents the covenant that produces children into bondage. "Jerusalem which now is" signifies the earthly, present-day Jewish religious establishment that was still operating under the Law as a means of righteousness. Paul's point is that all three represent a system that leads to spiritual slavery, contrasting it with the freedom of the New Covenant in Christ.

**Does Paul mean that the Law is bad or evil?**

Answer: No, Paul does not teach that the Law is inherently bad or evil. In [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy"), he states, "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." The issue is not with the Law itself, but with its purpose and how it is used. The Law was given to reveal sin and to point people to their need for a Savior ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). When people attempt to gain righteousness or salvation by perfectly keeping the Law, they inevitably fail and remain in bondage to sin and its curse. Paul's argument is against legalism—the idea that one can be justified by works of the Law—not against the Law's divine origin or moral goodness.

**What is the "bondage" Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "bondage" Paul refers to is spiritual servitude to the Law. It's the condition of being enslaved by the demands of the Mosaic Law, constantly striving to earn God's favor through perfect obedience, and living under the condemnation that comes from inevitably failing to meet those demands. This contrasts sharply with the freedom found in Christ, where believers are justified by grace through faith, liberated from the Law's curse, and empowered by the Spirit to live in newness of life, not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 4:25, in its stark portrayal of bondage under the Law, powerfully sets the stage for the glorious freedom found in Christ. Hagar, Mount Sinai, and "Jerusalem which now is" collectively represent the old covenant of works, a system incapable of delivering true righteousness or liberating humanity from the curse of sin. This verse implicitly highlights the indispensable need for a divine intervention, a new covenant, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham, not through the Law, but through faith ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). Christ, by perfectly fulfilling the Law and bearing its curse on the cross, has redeemed us from the bondage of the Law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He is the mediator of the New Covenant, a covenant of grace and Spirit, which brings true freedom and adoption as sons and daughters of God ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through faith in Him, we are no longer children of the bondwoman, enslaved by legalistic demands, but children of the free woman, heirs according to the promise, living in the glorious liberty of the children of God ([Romans 8:15-17](/romans/8-15-17 "Romans 8:15-17 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, Galatians 4:25, by exposing the futility of the old system, magnifies the liberating power and all-sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:17

The chariots of God [are] twenty thousand, [even] thousands of angels: the Lord [is] among them, [as in] Sinai, in the holy [place].

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Matthew 23:37

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Judges 5:5

The mountains melted from before the LORD, [even] that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.

Luke 13:34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Deuteronomy 33:2

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.