Galatians 4:30

KJV

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G235} what {G5101} saith {G3004} the scripture {G1124}? Cast out {G1544} the bondwoman {G3814} and {G2532} her {G846} son {G5207}: for {G1063} the son {G5207} of the bondwoman {G3814} shall {G2816} not {G3364} be heir {G2816} with {G3326} the son {G5207} of the freewoman {G1658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, what does the Tanakh say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for by no means will the son of the slave woman inherit along with the son of the free woman!”

Berean Standard Bible

But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”

American Standard Version

Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 4:30 serves as a climactic declaration in Paul's allegorical argument, drawing directly from the Old Testament narrative of Abraham's household to underscore the fundamental incompatibility between a works-based righteousness and God's covenant of grace. This verse powerfully asserts that those who rely on human effort and adherence to the Law for salvation, symbolized by Hagar and Ishmael, have no inheritance in the divine promises, which are reserved exclusively for those who are children of God by faith, represented by Sarah and Isaac. It encapsulates the core message of Galatians: salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 4:30 concludes Paul's intricate allegory of Hagar and Sarah, which begins in [Galatians 4:21](/galatians/4-21 "Galatians 4:21 - Paul's Allegory of Hagar and Sarah"). Paul uses this Old Testament account from [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael") and [Genesis 21](/genesis/21 "Genesis 21 - Birth of Isaac and Expulsion of Hagar") to illustrate the two covenants: the Mosaic covenant of Law (represented by Hagar, the bondwoman, and Ishmael, born "according to the flesh") and the Abrahamic covenant of promise (represented by Sarah, the freewoman, and Isaac, born "through promise"). The preceding verses, particularly [Galatians 4:28-29](/galatians/4-28-29 "Galatians 4:28-29 - Children of Promise"), establish that believers are "children of promise, like Isaac," and are persecuted by those born "according to the flesh," just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Verse 30, a direct quotation from [Genesis 21:10](/genesis/21-10 "Genesis 21:10 - Sarah's Demand for Expulsion"), therefore functions as the decisive theological conclusion to this allegory, reinforcing the absolute distinction and separation between the two covenants and their respective "children."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Galatians was written to address the severe theological crisis caused by "Judaizers" – Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved. This teaching directly undermined the gospel of grace that Paul preached. In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish society, inheritance was a profoundly significant concept, determining social status, economic security, and lineage. The idea of a "son" being an "heir" was central to identity and future prospects. By quoting the command to "cast out the bondwoman and her son," Paul taps into a familiar narrative that would resonate with his audience, using it to dismantle the Judaizers' claims. He reinterprets the historical event of Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion as a divine precedent for the spiritual exclusion of those who rely on the Law for righteousness, emphasizing that true spiritual inheritance comes only through the promises of God, not through adherence to a legalistic system.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Galatians. Foremost is the **incompatibility of Law and Grace** for salvation, asserting that one cannot be an heir of God's promises through works of the Law (represented by the bondwoman and her son) and simultaneously through faith in Christ (represented by the freewoman and her son). This leads to the theme of **Freedom vs. Bondage**, where Paul consistently argues that adherence to the Law leads to spiritual slavery, while faith in Christ brings true liberty, as highlighted in [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Liberty"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Nature of True Sonship and Inheritance**. It clarifies that spiritual inheritance is not a matter of physical lineage or human effort, but a divine gift received by those who are children of God by promise and faith, as seen in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by Faith"). The "casting out" signifies the definitive separation God makes between those who seek to establish their own righteousness and those who embrace His righteousness through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** Derived from _graphō_ (to write), this term refers to a sacred document or holy writ. Paul's use of "what saith the scripture?" highlights the divine authority behind his allegorical application of the Genesis narrative. It underscores that the principle he is drawing is not merely his own interpretation but a truth embedded in God's inspired Word, carrying the weight of divine revelation.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb means "to eject," "to drive out," or "to expel." In the context of [Genesis 21:10](/genesis/21-10 "Genesis 21:10 - Sarah's Demand"), it describes Sarah's forceful demand for Hagar and Ishmael's removal from Abraham's household. Paul employs this strong term allegorically to convey the decisive and necessary separation between those who seek righteousness by law and those who receive it by grace. It implies an irreversible exclusion from the inheritance.
* **heir (Greek, _klēronoméō'_):** From _klēronomos_ (an heir), this verb means "to be an heir to" or "to inherit." It signifies the act of receiving an inheritance, often a legacy or property, without having earned it. Paul's emphasis on "shall not be heir" is critical, as it directly addresses the Judaizers' claim to an inheritance based on lineage and Law-keeping. He asserts that the spiritual inheritance of God's promises is exclusively for the children of the freewoman, those who are justified by faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless what saith the scripture?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful transition, signaling Paul's appeal to an undeniable, divinely sanctioned authority – the Old Testament. The "Nevertheless" (G235, _allá_) indicates a strong contrast or counter-argument to the previous discussion, emphasizing that despite any human reasoning or legalistic claims, the ultimate truth is found in God's revealed Word. By quoting Scripture, Paul grounds his radical theological assertion in the very texts held sacred by his Jewish opponents.
* **"Cast out the bondwoman and her son:":** This is a direct quotation from [Genesis 21:10](/genesis/21-10 "Genesis 21:10 - Sarah's Demand"), originally spoken by Sarah concerning Hagar and Ishmael. In Paul's allegorical application, the "bondwoman" represents the Mosaic Law and the old covenant, while "her son" represents those who seek righteousness through adherence to that Law (the Judaizers and those who follow their teaching). The command to "cast out" signifies a decisive and necessary separation; there can be no mixing of the two principles for salvation.
* **"for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the expulsion. The "son of the bondwoman" (Ishmael, representing those under the Law) will not share in the inheritance with the "son of the freewoman" (Isaac, representing those under the promise of grace through faith). This is the core theological punch of the verse: spiritual inheritance – the blessings and promises of God, including salvation and inclusion in God's family – is not granted to those who rely on works of the Law. It is exclusively for those who are children of the promise by faith. The double negative "shall not be heir" (G3364, _ou mḗ_) intensifies the denial, making the exclusion absolute and unequivocal.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Galatians 4:30. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the historical narrative of Abraham's family (Hagar, Ishmael, Sarah, Isaac) is reinterpreted to convey deeper spiritual truths about the covenants of Law and Grace. This allows Paul to draw a stark contrast between two irreconcilable paths to God. A **Rhetorical Question** ("Nevertheless what saith the scripture?") immediately grabs the reader's attention, inviting them to consider the authoritative voice of God's Word. This question also serves as an **Allusion** to [Genesis 21:10](/genesis/21-10 "Genesis 21:10 - Sarah's Demand"), grounding Paul's theological argument in a familiar and respected Old Testament text. The entire verse is built upon a profound **Contrast** between the "bondwoman and her son" and the "freewoman and her son," symbolizing the antithesis between legalism and grace, and the different destinies associated with each. This contrast is further emphasized by the absolute nature of the "casting out" and the denial of inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 4:30 is a theological linchpin, asserting the absolute exclusivity of salvation by grace through faith. It unequivocally declares that the old covenant of Law, with its demands for human performance, cannot coexist with or contribute to the inheritance offered by the new covenant of grace. This verse underscores that God's plan for salvation is singular and unadulterated: it is a gift received by faith, not a reward earned by works. To attempt to mix Law and grace is to invalidate grace and to forfeit the promise. The "casting out" is not a rejection of individuals, but a definitive statement about the nature of God's saving work and the only means by which one can become an heir to His promises.

* [Romans 9:7-8](/romans/9-7-8 "Romans 9:7-8 - Not All Descendants are Children of God")
* [John 8:35](/john/8-35 "John 8:35 - The Servant and the Son")
* [Hebrews 12:8](/hebrews/12-8 "Hebrews 12:8 - Illegitimate Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 4:30 provides a crucial spiritual thermometer for believers today, challenging us to honestly assess the foundation of our hope and assurance before God. Are we truly resting in the finished work of Christ, or do we subtly, perhaps unconsciously, add our own efforts, good deeds, or religious observances to secure our standing with Him? This verse serves as a stark warning against any form of legalism, whether overt or covert, that seeks to mix human performance with divine grace. It calls us to live in the radical freedom that Christ has secured, understanding that our identity as "children of the promise" is a gift, not an achievement. Embracing this truth liberates us from the burden of striving for acceptance and empowers us to serve God out of love and gratitude, rather than fear or obligation. It reminds us that the inheritance of salvation, eternal life, and all spiritual blessings is an exclusive gift to those who trust in Jesus alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly relying on my own efforts or good deeds for God's approval, rather than solely on Christ's finished work?**
* **How does understanding the "casting out" of the bondwoman and her son deepen my appreciation for the exclusivity and sufficiency of God's grace?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more fully live in the freedom of being a "child of the freewoman" and an heir of God's promises?**

### FAQ
**Does Galatians 4:30 mean that Jewish people are excluded from salvation?**

Answer: No, Galatians 4:30 does not teach that Jewish people are excluded from salvation. Paul's allegory is not about ethnic lineage but about the *basis* of salvation. The "bondwoman and her son" represent those, whether Jew or Gentile, who seek to be justified by adherence to the Mosaic Law. The "freewoman and her son" represent those, whether Jew or Gentile, who are justified by faith in God's promise, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Paul himself, a Jew, was saved by grace through faith, as he recounts in [Galatians 1:11-16](/galatians/1-11-16 "Galatians 1:11-16 - Paul's Gospel Revelation"). The issue is not one's physical heritage but one's spiritual allegiance—whether to the Law as a means of righteousness or to Christ as the sole means of righteousness.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "works" in Christianity?**

Answer: This verse strongly distinguishes between "works of the Law" as a means of justification and the good works that flow from a saved life. Paul argues vehemently against the idea that salvation is earned through observing the Law (the "works of the Law"). The "son of the bondwoman" represents this works-based system, which cannot inherit God's promises. However, this does not negate the importance of good works for believers. Rather, genuine good works are the *result* and *evidence* of salvation by grace, not its cause. As Paul later states in [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved by Grace for Good Works"), "For by grace are ye saved through faith... Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 4:30 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant established through His sacrificial work. The "casting out" of the bondwoman and her son allegorically prefigures the definitive end of the Law as a means of salvation, and the establishment of Christ as the sole path to righteousness and inheritance. Jesus Himself is the "Son of the freewoman" par excellence, the true heir of all God's promises, through whom all who believe become children of the promise. His perfect obedience to the Law and His atoning death on the cross ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")) fulfilled its demands, rendering it obsolete as a system for justification. Through faith in Christ, believers are no longer "under the law" but "under grace" ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")), adopted into God's family as true sons and daughters ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")). Thus, the inheritance promised to Abraham's true seed is received not through the lineage of the flesh or the works of the Law, but solely through union with Christ, the ultimate "seed" ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), who makes us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

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 21:12

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

John 8:35

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: [but] the Son abideth ever.

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Galatians 3:22

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,