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Galatians 4:29

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But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now.

But {G235} as {G5618} then {G5119} he that was born {G1080} after {G2596} the flesh {G4561} persecuted {G1377} him that was born after {G2596} the Spirit {G4151}, even {G2532} so {G3779} it is now {G3568}.

But just as then the one born according to limited human capability persecuted the one born through the Spirit’s supernatural power, so it is now.

At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted himthat was bornafter the Spirit, so also it is now.

Commentary

Context

Galatians 4:29 is a pivotal verse within Paul's allegorical argument concerning the nature of sonship and the role of the Mosaic Law. Paul has just used the Old Testament narrative of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael (born of Hagar, the bondwoman, representing the old covenant and slavery to the Law) and Isaac (born of Sarah, the freewoman, representing the new covenant and freedom through God's promise). In this verse, Paul draws a direct parallel between the historical animosity within Abraham's family and the contemporary conflict faced by the Galatian believers. He is addressing the influence of Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile Christians must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. This verse highlights the ongoing spiritual tension between those who rely on human effort and law-keeping versus those who embrace God's grace and promise.

Key Themes

  • The Conflict of "Flesh" vs. "Spirit": The verse underscores a perennial biblical theme: the opposition between human effort, natural birth, and adherence to the Law ("born after the flesh") versus divine intervention, spiritual birth, and reliance on God's promise ("born after the Spirit"). This isn't merely a historical anecdote but a spiritual reality that persists.
  • Persecution of the Righteous: Just as Ishmael, born naturally, persecuted Isaac, who was born miraculously through God's promise (Genesis 21:9), Paul states that this pattern continues. Those who embrace God's grace and the freedom of the Spirit often face opposition and persecution from those who cling to legalism or human merit.
  • The Nature of True Sonship: This verse reinforces Paul's larger argument in Galatians that true sonship in God's family is not determined by lineage or adherence to the Law, but by being born of the Spirit and receiving God's promise through faith in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrases "born after the flesh" (Greek: kata sarka, "according to the flesh") and "born after the Spirit" (Greek: kata pneuma, "according to the Spirit") are crucial.

  • "After the flesh" refers to that which is natural, human-generated, or aligned with human effort and the Mosaic Law. It signifies a reliance on human ability rather than divine power.
  • "After the Spirit" refers to that which is divinely generated, miraculous, and aligned with God's promise and the Holy Spirit's work. It signifies a reliance on God's sovereign grace.
Paul uses these terms to delineate two distinct ways of relating to God: one based on human achievement and the other on God's gracious gift.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Galatians 4:29 serves as a timeless reminder of the spiritual realities believers face:

  1. Internal and External Conflict: The tension between living by human effort (flesh) and by divine grace (Spirit) is not just historical but an ongoing struggle, both within the believer and in the church.
  2. Expect Opposition: True faith, which embraces God's radical grace, often challenges human pride and legalism. Therefore, believers should not be surprised when they face misunderstanding, criticism, or even persecution from those who do not understand or accept the freedom found in Christ.
  3. Stand Firm in Freedom: Paul's message encourages believers to remain steadfast in the liberty they have in Christ, refusing to be drawn back into a system of works or legalism, even when it brings opposition. Your identity is found in being a child of promise, born of the Spirit, not a slave to the law.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:9 (8 votes)

    ¶ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

  • Romans 8:13 (5 votes)

    For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

  • Galatians 5:11 (5 votes)

    And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

  • Hebrews 10:33 (4 votes)

    Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

  • Hebrews 10:34 (4 votes)

    For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14 (4 votes)

    For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:15 (4 votes)

    Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: