Galatians 4:29

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

But just as then the one having been born according to flesh was persecuting the one born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

Latin

Sed quomodo tunc is, qui secundum carnem natus fuerat, persequebatur eum qui secundum spiritum: ita et nunc.

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Galatians 4:29

Isaac was the promised child. During his weaning celebration, Ishmael treated Isaac badly (see Genesis 21:9). Similarly, in Galatia, people who insisted on following the law were treating badly those who trusted in God's promise, the message of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (compare Acts 13:50 –51; 14:1 –7).

Galatians 4:28–31

Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah in 4:21 –27 to explain the situation in Galatia. Isaac represents those born through God's promise (see 3:8) by the Spirit's power (3:2 –5; see also Ephesians 1:13 –14). These people trust in God for salvation through Christ by faith. Ishmael represents those who think following the law of Moses will make them acceptable to God (Galatians 3:10 –11). This idea would have surprised the Judaizers, who believed they were Abraham's true children because they followed the law of Moses.

Galatians 4:21–31

Paul now returns to using Scripture to support his argument. He tells the story of two of Abraham's wives, Hagar and Sarah, and their children. He uses this story to show the difference between two types of people: those who are like slaves because they try to follow all the laws, and those who are free because they belong to Christ.
Paul uses a special way of explaining Bible stories (called allegory) that Jewish teachers used in those days (see study note on 4:24). Paul was trained as a rabbi (see Acts 22:3) and could effectively debate the Judaizers using their own methods.

Theme notes and profiles

Hagar Isaac Ishmael Paul (Saul) Sarah God’s Covenants

Related verses

Genesis 21:9
But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,
Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Galatians 5:11
Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Hebrews 10:33–34
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated.
John 15:9
As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.
Galatians 4:23
His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.
1 Thessalonians 2:14–15
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,
Matthew 23:34–37
Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.
Galatians 6:12–14
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 4:29

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