King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:29 Mean?

Galatians 4:29 in the King James Version says “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 4:29 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

27

For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

28

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

29

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

30

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

31

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Read Galatians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Paul points to historical pattern. "But as then" (all' hōsper tote, ἀλλ' ὥσπερ τότε)—just as in that time. "He that was born after the flesh" (ho kata sarka gennētheis)—Ishmael, representing the flesh-principle. "Persecuted him that was born after the Spirit" (ediōken ton kata pneuma)—Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Genesis doesn't explicitly state this, but Genesis 21:9 says Ishmael "mocked" Isaac (Hebrew metsacheq), which Jewish tradition interpreted as harassment or persecution.

"Even so it is now" (houtōs kai nyn, οὕτως καὶ νῦν)—the same pattern continues. Those operating on the flesh-principle (Judaizers, law-observers, works-righteous religionists) persecute those operating on the Spirit-principle (believers trusting Christ's finished work and the Spirit's power). Law-religion has always opposed grace-religion. Cain killed Abel (1 John 3:12); Jews persecuted Jesus and apostles; Judaizers attacked Paul and confused Galatian believers. This persecution validates the Spirit-born: if the flesh-born opposed you, you're in good company with Isaac!

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul experienced constant opposition from Judaizers who followed him undermining his gospel (Acts 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 11:4-5, Philippians 3:2). This wasn't merely theological debate but often physical persecution (Acts 14:19, 2 Corinthians 11:24-25). The flesh/Spirit conflict manifests in religious persecution: those trusting their own righteousness can't tolerate those trusting Christ's righteousness alone. This pattern continues: legalists and works-righteous religious people often most fiercely oppose grace-centered gospel proclamation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced opposition or mockery from religious people for trusting grace through faith rather than works of law?
  2. Why does law-based religion so often oppose and persecute grace-based Christianity rather than welcoming it?
  3. How should you respond when persecution comes from religious quarters rather than secular sources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀλλ'1 of 14

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὥσπερ2 of 14

“as”

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

τότε3 of 14

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ὁ4 of 14
G3588

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

κατὰ5 of 14

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σάρκα6 of 14

“the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

γεννηθεὶς7 of 14

“he that was born”

G1080

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

ἐδίωκεν8 of 14

“persecuted”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

τὸν9 of 14
G3588

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

κατὰ10 of 14

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πνεῦμα11 of 14

“the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

οὕτως12 of 14

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ13 of 14

“even”

G2532

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

νῦν14 of 14

“it is now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

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 4:29 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 4:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 21:9Romans 8:13Galatians 5:11Hebrews 10:33-34Galatians 4:231 Thessalonians 2:14-15

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