King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:22 Mean?

Galatians 4:22 in the King James Version says “For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 4:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. covenants: or, testaments Sinai: Gr. Sina

Read Galatians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Paul begins his allegory from Genesis. "For it is written" (gegraptai gar, γέγραπται γάρ)—Scripture says, introducing authoritative citation. "Abraham had two sons" (Abraam dyo huious eschen)—Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 16, 21). Actually Abraham had more sons (Genesis 25:1-6), but Paul focuses on these two for his typological argument.

"The one by a bondmaid" (hena ek tēs paidiskēs, ἕνα ἐκ τῆς παιδίσκης)—Ishmael, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave. "The other by a freewoman" (kai hena ek tēs eleutheras)—Isaac, born to Sarah, Abraham's wife, a free woman. This distinction between slave-mother and free-mother will carry allegorical weight. Paul sees prophetic significance in these historical details. The circumstances of each son's birth illustrate two different principles by which people relate to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 16 narrates Ishmael's birth: Sarah, barren, gave her servant Hagar to Abraham to produce an heir through her—human effort to fulfill God's promise. Genesis 21 narrates Isaac's birth: supernaturally conceived when both Abraham and Sarah were past natural childbearing—divine power fulfilling divine promise. Paul sees these births as more than history; they're types, patterns illustrating flesh versus faith, works versus grace, law versus promise. This typological reading was common in Jewish and early Christian interpretation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between Ishmael (human effort) and Isaac (divine promise) illustrate different approaches to relating to God?
  2. In what areas of your spiritual life are you producing 'Ishmaels'—trying to fulfill God's promises through human effort rather than trusting divine power?
  3. What does it mean to read Old Testament narratives not merely as history but as types illustrating spiritual realities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
γέγραπται1 of 16

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 16

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἀβραὰμ4 of 16

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

δύο5 of 16

“two”

G1417

"two"

υἱοὺς6 of 16

“sons”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἔσχεν7 of 16

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἕνα8 of 16

“the one”

G1520

one

ἐκ9 of 16

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς10 of 16
G3588

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

παιδίσκης11 of 16

“a bondmaid”

G3814

a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant

καὶ12 of 16
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἕνα13 of 16

“the one”

G1520

one

ἐκ14 of 16

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς15 of 16
G3588

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

ἐλευθέρας16 of 16

“a freewoman”

G1658

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 16:15Genesis 21:10Genesis 16:2-4Genesis 21:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Galatians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Galatians 4 with CommentaryAll Galatians ChaptersComplete Galatians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes