### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ágar**, represented by `{{G28}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Hagar, the concubine of Abraham**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. In its New Testament context, the name is used not merely as a historical reference but as a central figure in a theological allegory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{G28}}` are found in Galatians, where it is used as part of an **allegory** `{{G238}}` to explain the nature of **two** `{{G1417}}` **covenants** `{{G1242}}`. In this teaching, **Ágar** represents the covenant from **mount** `{{G3735}}` **Sinai** `{{G4614}}`, which is described as producing children for **bondage** `{{G1397}}` [[Galatians 4:24]]. The passage reinforces this by stating that **Ágar** corresponds to the present earthly **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}`, which itself is in **bondage** `{{G1398}}` along with her **children** `{{G5043}}` [[Galatians 4:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the symbolic role of `{{G28}}`:
* `{{G238}}` **allēgoréō** (be an allegory): This word explains that the reference to **Ágar** is figurative, intended to communicate a deeper spiritual truth [[Galatians 4:24]].
* `{{G1242}}` **diathḗkē** (covenant): This is the central concept being illustrated. **Ágar** is used to personify one of the **two** `{{G1417}}` covenants under discussion [[Galatians 4:24]].
* `{{G1397}}` **douleía** (bondage): This word defines the outcome of the covenant represented by **Ágar**. It is a covenant that gives birth **to** `{{G1519}}` slavery [[Galatians 4:24]].
* `{{G4614}}` **Sinâ** (Sina): This location is directly equated with **Ágar** in the allegory, identifying her with the covenant given at Mount Sinai [[Galatians 4:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G28}}` is derived entirely from its function within this allegory.
* **Symbol of the Old Covenant:** **Ágar** is used to personify the covenant from Mount **Sinai** `{{G4614}}`. This covenant is characterized by its result, which is spiritual **bondage** `{{G1397}}` [[Galatians 4:24]].
* **Representation of Earthly Jerusalem:** The allegory explicitly states that **Ágar** corresponds to, or "answereth to" `{{G4960}}`, the earthly "**Jerusalem** which now is" (`{{G3568}}`, `{{G2419}}`), which is in **bondage** `{{G1398}}` with her children [[Galatians 4:25]].
* **A Figure of Contrast:** By presenting **Ágar** as one of **two** `{{G1417}}` covenants, the text uses her as a point of contrast to explain the fundamental differences between the law and a different spiritual principle.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G28}}` is far more than a historical name in its biblical usage. It functions as a powerful element in an **allegory** `{{G238}}` contrasting **two** `{{G1417}}` covenants. It symbolically represents the covenant from **Sinai** `{{G4614}}`, which is defined by **bondage** `{{G1397}}` and corresponds to the earthly Jerusalem of that time. The use of **Ágar** illustrates how a person can be used figuratively to convey a profound theological truth.
TRV