Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

But {G1161} Jerusalem {G2419} which is above {G507} is {G2076} free {G1658}, which {G3748} is {G2076} the mother {G3384} of us {G2257} all {G3956}.

But the Yerushalayim above is free, and she is our mother;

But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.

Commentary

Context of Galatians 4:26

In Galatians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul employs an intricate allegory comparing the two sons of Abraham—Ishmael, born of the bondwoman Hagar, and Isaac, born of the freewoman Sarah—to illustrate the fundamental difference between living under the Law (bondage) and living by God's promise (freedom). This allegory serves as a powerful argument against the Judaizers who were attempting to compel Gentile believers in Galatia to adopt Jewish legalistic practices, such as circumcision, for salvation. Paul equates Hagar and her son with Mount Sinai, which represents the old covenant of the Law leading to slavery, and with the present earthly Jerusalem, which was still bound by the Law.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Heavenly Jerusalem: Our True Mother: Paul contrasts the earthly Jerusalem, which was in bondage with her children under the Law, with "Jerusalem which is above." This heavenly Jerusalem is not a physical city but represents the new covenant of grace and promise, the spiritual reality from which true believers derive their spiritual birth and identity. It signifies the spiritual dwelling place of God's people, the true church, free from the constraints of the Law.
  • Freedom in Christ: The core message is one of profound liberation. Just as Sarah was free and her son Isaac was born of promise, so too are believers in Christ truly free. This freedom is not license to sin but liberty from the condemnation and bondage of the Mosaic Law. Our spiritual heritage is not from a system that demands perfect obedience for salvation, but from a divine promise received through faith.
  • Spiritual Lineage and Identity: When Paul states that this heavenly Jerusalem "is the mother of us all," he is asserting that all true believers, both Jew and Gentile, are born into this spiritual reality of grace. Our spiritual lineage is not through adherence to the Law or physical descent from Abraham, but through faith in Christ, making us heirs according to the promise given to Abraham. This establishes a new, inclusive family of God based on grace, not works.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Jerusalem which is above" translates the Greek ano Hierousalem (ἄνω Ἱερουσαλήμ), literally "upper Jerusalem" or "Jerusalem above." This emphasizes its heavenly, spiritual, and eschatological nature, contrasting sharply with the earthly, physical city. The term "free" (Greek: eleuthera, ἐλευθέρα) highlights the central theme of liberty from legalism and the law's curse, a freedom that is a hallmark of the new covenant in Christ.

Practical Application

This verse provides profound comfort and clarity for believers today. It reminds us that our primary citizenship and spiritual identity are not rooted in earthly systems, traditions, or accomplishments, but in a heavenly reality. We are called to live in the freedom that Christ has secured for us, recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the law. This understanding liberates us from striving to earn God's favor and empowers us to serve Him out of love and gratitude. It also encourages us to look beyond temporary earthly concerns to our eternal inheritance with God in the heavenly Jerusalem, a concept also touched upon in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:2.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 12:22 (13 votes)

    But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

  • Philippians 3:20 (10 votes)

    For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Micah 4:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

  • Micah 4:2 (9 votes)

    And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

  • Revelation 3:12 (7 votes)

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

  • Revelation 21:2 (7 votes)

    And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

  • Psalms 87:3 (6 votes)

    Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.