Galatians 4:28

KJV

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} we {G2249}, brethren {G80}, as {G2596} Isaac {G2464} was {G2596}, are {G2070} the children {G5043} of promise {G1860}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You, brothers, like Yitz’chak, are children referred to in a promise of God.

Berean Standard Bible

Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

American Standard Version

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 4:28 serves as a pivotal declaration in Paul's letter, asserting that believers in Christ are not defined by adherence to the Mosaic Law, but are, like Isaac, "children of promise." This verse culminates Paul's allegorical argument contrasting Hagar and Sarah, firmly establishing the spiritual identity of Christians as heirs of God's supernatural covenant of grace, received through faith, rather than through human effort or legalistic observance. It underscores the profound truth that our standing before God is entirely dependent on His faithfulness and sovereign initiative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion of Paul's intricate allegory found in [Galatians 4:21-27](/galatians/4-21-27 "Galatians 4:21-27 - The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah"). In this passage, Paul employs the Old Testament narrative of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael (born of Hagar, the slave woman) and Isaac (born of Sarah, the free woman), to illustrate the fundamental difference between the covenant of Law and the covenant of Promise. Hagar and Ishmael represent those who seek righteousness through works of the Law, leading to spiritual bondage and exclusion from the inheritance. Sarah and Isaac, born miraculously according to God's promise, symbolize those who are born of the Spirit and receive salvation through faith in God's unmerited grace. [Galatians 4:28](/galatians/4-28 "Galatians 4:28 - Children of Promise") directly applies this allegory to the Galatian believers, unequivocally identifying them with Isaac, the child of promise, thereby refuting the Judaizers' insistence on legalistic adherence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the churches in Galatia to counter the pervasive influence of "Judaizers," Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved and fully integrated into God's people. This teaching directly undermined the core gospel message of salvation by grace through faith alone. The Galatians, many of whom were Gentiles, were being swayed by these false teachers, leading to confusion and a potential return to a system of works. Paul's argument, therefore, is not merely theological but deeply pastoral, aimed at safeguarding the purity of the gospel and the spiritual freedom of the believers. The cultural context includes the Jewish understanding of lineage and covenant, where physical descent and adherence to the Law were paramount, which Paul deftly reinterprets through a spiritual lens.
* **Key Themes:** [Galatians 4:28](/galatians/4-28 "Galatians 4:28 - Children of Promise") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. Firstly, **Spiritual Identity and Lineage** is central; Paul asserts that believers' true identity is not found in their adherence to the Law, but in their spiritual birthright as "children of promise," rooted in God's supernatural initiative and faithfulness, mirroring Isaac's miraculous birth. Secondly, the theme of **Freedom from Legalism** is paramount. By identifying believers with Isaac, Paul emphasizes their liberation from the bondage of the Law, a theme he passionately defends throughout the letter, particularly in [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Liberty"). Lastly, this verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **Salvation by Grace Through Faith**. The miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, independent of human ability or natural means, serves as a potent illustration that God’s plan of salvation is not dependent on human works but entirely on His sovereign promise and power. This echoes the foundational truth that [Abraham himself was justified by faith](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness"), a principle Paul champions as the true path to righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Now (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle, often translated as "but" or "and," here serves as a strong continuative or transitional marker. It signals a direct application and a climactic conclusion to the preceding allegorical argument. Paul is moving from the illustrative narrative to a direct, emphatic statement about the Galatian believers' present reality and identity. It marks a decisive shift to the practical implication of the allegory.
* **children (Greek, _téknon'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to beget" or "to produce," _téknon_ emphasizes the direct, natural relationship of offspring to parent. In this context, it highlights the intimate and genuine spiritual relationship believers have with God, being "produced" or "born" of His promise. It signifies a true, filial connection, not merely an adopted status, emphasizing the profound reality of their new spiritual birthright.
* **promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** This term refers to "an announcement," specifically a "divine assurance of good." Its use here is critical, as it underscores that the spiritual birthright of believers is not earned, achieved, or based on human merit or effort, but is entirely a gift based on God's sworn word, His covenant, and His unchangeable character. It emphasizes God's faithfulness as the sole basis for the believer's inheritance and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now we, brethren":** Paul addresses the Galatian believers directly and inclusively, drawing them into the profound truth he is about to declare. The term "brethren" underscores their shared spiritual family and common identity in Christ, even amidst their theological struggles. This phrase signals a direct application of the preceding allegory to their lives.
* **"as Isaac was":** This is the crucial point of comparison, linking the Galatian believers' spiritual reality directly to the miraculous birth of Isaac. Isaac's birth was not a result of Abraham and Sarah's natural ability or human planning, but solely the fulfillment of God's supernatural promise when they were beyond natural childbearing age. This comparison establishes the divine, supernatural origin of the believers' spiritual standing.
* **"are the children of promise":** This is the declarative statement of identity. It means that believers derive their spiritual existence, their status, and their inheritance not from adherence to the Law (represented by Ishmael, born of human effort), but from God's sovereign, unmerited promise. Their spiritual lineage is one of grace, rooted in God's faithfulness to His word, making them heirs of the spiritual blessings promised to Abraham through faith.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's declaration in [Galatians 4:28](/galatians/4-28 "Galatians 4:28 - Children of Promise") powerfully employs several literary devices. Central to its impact is **Allegory**, which Paul has meticulously constructed in the preceding verses, using the historical figures of Hagar, Sarah, Ishmael, and Isaac to represent abstract theological concepts—the covenant of Law versus the covenant of Promise. This verse serves as the direct application of that allegory, making the abstract concrete for his audience. Furthermore, Paul uses **Analogy** or **Comparison**, explicitly stating "as Isaac was," drawing a direct parallel between Isaac's miraculous birth by divine promise and the spiritual birthright of believers. This comparison highlights the supernatural nature of their salvation, independent of human works. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Declaration** or **Assertion**, a definitive statement of identity that leaves no room for ambiguity. Paul is not merely suggesting; he is proclaiming the true spiritual status of the Galatian believers, reinforcing his core argument against legalism with undeniable clarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 4:28 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of salvation and our spiritual identity. It powerfully articulates the doctrine of justification by faith, emphasizing that our standing before God is not earned through human effort or adherence to a legal code, but is a gracious gift received through faith in God's promise. This truth liberates believers from the burden of performance-based religion, establishing their security and inheritance firmly in God's unchangeable character and His sovereign initiative. It underscores that the New Covenant, unlike the Old Covenant which revealed sin, is a covenant of grace, fulfilling God's ancient promises through Christ. Believers are thus heirs not by natural descent or legalistic achievement, but by divine design and adoption into God's family.

* [Romans 9:7-8](/romans/9-7-8 "Romans 9:7-8 - Not all Descendants are Children of God") - "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 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."
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith") - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
* [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise") - "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding ourselves as "children of promise" profoundly reshapes our spiritual outlook and daily living. This truth liberates us from the exhausting and futile pursuit of earning God's favor through our own efforts or adherence to rules. Instead, it invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ and the unwavering faithfulness of God, who initiated and sustains our salvation. Recognizing that our identity is rooted in God's promise, not our performance, fosters deep security, peace, and confidence in our relationship with Him. It empowers us to live not under the burden of legalism, but in the joyous freedom of grace, motivated by love and gratitude rather than fear or obligation. This identity also calls us to trust God's promises for every aspect of our lives, knowing that the same God who miraculously brought Isaac into being and saved us by grace will faithfully fulfill all His good purposes for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding yourself as a "child of promise" impact your daily walk and your sense of security in God?**
* **In what areas of your life might you still be tempted to rely on human effort or performance rather than God's promise and grace?**
* **How does the truth that God takes the initiative in salvation deepen your trust in His faithfulness for your future?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul comparing believers to Isaac in Galatians 4:28?**

Answer: Paul's comparison of believers to Isaac is profoundly significant because it underscores the miraculous and divine nature of our spiritual birthright. Isaac was born not through natural human ability or effort (as Abraham and Sarah were beyond childbearing age), but solely through God's supernatural intervention and faithfulness to His promise ([Genesis 21:2](/genesis/21-2 "Genesis 21:2 - Birth of Isaac")). By contrast, Ishmael was born through human ingenuity and effort (Hagar, the slave woman). Therefore, when Paul states that "we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise," he is asserting that believers in Christ derive their spiritual life and standing with God not from adherence to the Law or human works, but entirely from God's gracious promise and power. This comparison fundamentally defines the believer's identity as one rooted in grace, freedom, and divine initiative, rather than legalistic bondage or human achievement. It highlights that salvation is a sovereign act of God, received by faith, just as Isaac's birth was a fulfillment of God's faithful word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 4:28 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers are "children of promise" not merely in a general sense, but specifically because they are "in Christ." Christ is the true "Seed" of Abraham, through whom all the promises of God are realized ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). Just as Isaac was the promised son who inherited the covenant blessings, Jesus is the ultimate promised Son, the heir of all things, through whom God's covenant of grace is established and guaranteed. Our status as children of promise is entirely dependent on our union with Him. It is through Christ's perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection that the promises of justification, adoption, and eternal life are secured for us. Therefore, every divine assurance of good, every _epangelía_, finds its resounding "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). We are children of promise because Christ, the Promise Incarnate, has made us so, granting us spiritual birth and an inheritance not through human effort, but through His divine accomplishment.

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

Galatians 4:23

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

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.

Romans 9:9

For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:18

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Acts 3:25

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.