King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:21 Mean?

Galatians 4:21 in the King James Version says “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”

Galatians 4:21 · KJV

Context

19

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

20

I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. I stand: or, I am perplexed for you I stand: or, I am perplexed for you

21

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

22

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

23

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

Read Galatians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Paul launches into allegory using Scripture. "Tell me" (legete moi, λέγετέ μοι)—answer me, respond. "Ye that desire to be under the law" (hoi hypo nomon thelontes einai, οἱ ὑπὸ νόμον θέλοντες εἶναι)—those wanting to live under law's jurisdiction and authority. They desire law-based relationship with God. Paul challenges: you want law? Let's examine what law teaches!

"Do ye not hear the law?" (ton nomon ouk akouete, τὸν νόμον οὐκ ἀκούετε)—don't you listen to the law? "Hear" (akouō) means both physical hearing and understanding, heeding. "The law" (ton nomon) can mean the Pentateuch broadly or specific Torah texts. Paul will use Genesis (part of Torah) to demonstrate that law itself teaches salvation by promise through faith, not by works. This is master rhetorical move: using the Judaizers' authority (Torah) to demolish their position. If you properly understand Torah, you'll see it points to Christ and faith, not to circumcision and works-righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

"The law" in Jewish usage could mean the entire Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy), not just commandments. Paul will cite Genesis 16-21 (Sarah and Hagar narrative) to prove his point. Jewish interpretive tradition included allegorical and typological reading alongside literal meaning. Paul employs this method, seeing in the historical Sarah-Hagar story a theological allegory of two covenants. His audience, influenced by Judaizers who claimed Torah authority, must reckon with Paul's Torah-based argument against their position.

Reflection Questions

  1. How carefully do you read and understand Scripture, especially parts you cite to support your positions?
  2. Are you open to discovering that texts you thought supported your views actually teach something different or deeper?
  3. What does it mean to truly 'hear' Scripture—not just read words but understand and heed God's message?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Λέγετέ1 of 11

“Tell”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μοι2 of 11

“me”

G3427

to me

οἱ3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπὸ4 of 11

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

νόμον5 of 11

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

θέλοντες6 of 11

“ye that desire”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

εἶναι7 of 11

“to be”

G1511

to exist

τὸν8 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμον9 of 11

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

οὐκ10 of 11

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀκούετε11 of 11

“do ye”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 4:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:10Matthew 22:29-32Romans 3:19Galatians 3:23-24Romans 6:14Romans 10:3-10

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