King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:24 Mean?

Galatians 4:24 in the King James Version says “Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage,... — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 4:24 · KJV


Context

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

25

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. answereth to: or, is in the same rank with

26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. Paul explicitly identifies his interpretive method. "Which things are an allegory" (hatina estin allēgoroumena, ἅτινά ἐστιν ἀλληγορούμενα)—these things are being allegorized, spoken as allegory. Allēgoreō (ἀλληγορέω) means to speak figuratively, finding spiritual meaning beyond literal history. Paul doesn't deny historical reality but sees deeper theological significance.

"For these are the two covenants" (hautai gar eisin dyo diathēkai, αὗται γάρ εἰσιν δύο διαθῆκαι)—Hagar and Sarah represent two covenants. "The one from the mount Sinai" (mia men apo orous Sina)—the Mosaic covenant given at Sinai. "Which gendereth to bondage" (eis douleian gennōsa, εἰς δουλείαν γεννῶσα)—bearing children into slavery. Law produces slaves, not free sons. "Which is Agar" (hētis estin Hagar, ἥτις ἐστὶν Ἅγαρ)—this covenant is represented by Hagar, the slave woman. Paul's shocking claim: the Sinai covenant, which the Judaizers revered, corresponds to slavery, not freedom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's equation of Sinai/law with Hagar/slavery would have scandalized Jewish readers. The law was God's gracious gift to Israel (Psalm 119), the foundation of covenant relationship. Paul doesn't deny the law's divine origin or temporary validity but insists it produces bondage when treated as means of righteousness. The old covenant, glorious in its time (2 Corinthians 3:7), is now obsolete (Hebrews 8:13), replaced by the new covenant in Christ. To insist on the old when the new has come is to choose Hagar over Sarah, slavery over freedom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to Paul's radical claim that the Mosaic covenant leads to slavery rather than freedom?
  2. What's the difference between honoring Old Testament law as God's revelation versus treating it as means of righteousness?
  3. In what ways does law-based religion produce slavery—to anxiety, pride, performance, judgment—rather than freedom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἥτις1 of 20

Which things

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν2 of 20

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀλληγορούμενα·3 of 20

an allegory

G238

to allegorize

αὗται4 of 20

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

γάρ5 of 20

for

G1063

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

εἰσιν6 of 20

are

G1526

they are

αἱ7 of 20
G3588

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

δύο8 of 20

the two

G1417

"two"

διαθῆκαι9 of 20

covenants

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

μία10 of 20
G1520

one

μὲν11 of 20
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἀπὸ12 of 20

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὄρους13 of 20

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

Σινᾶ14 of 20

Sinai

G4614

sina (i.e., sinai), a mountain in arabia

εἰς15 of 20

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δουλείαν16 of 20

bondage

G1397

slavery (ceremonially or figuratively)

γεννῶσα17 of 20

which gendereth

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

ἥτις18 of 20

Which things

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν19 of 20

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Ἁγάρ20 of 20

Agar

G28

hagar, the concubine of abraham


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 4:24 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 4:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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