King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:30 Mean?

Galatians 4:30 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be hei... — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Galatians 4:30 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul quotes Genesis 21:10 (Sarah's demand). "Nevertheless what saith the scripture?" (alla ti legei hē graphē, ἀλλὰ τί λέγει ἡ γραφή)—despite persecution, what's Scripture's verdict? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son" (ekbale tēn paidiskēn kai ton huion autēs, ἔκβαλε τὴν παιδίσκην καὶ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς)—expel, drive out Hagar and Ishmael. This seems harsh, but it's God's command (Genesis 21:12).

"For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" (ou gar mē klēronomēsei ho huios tēs paidiskēs meta tou huiou tēs eleutheras)—Ishmael will not share Isaac's inheritance. The double negative ou mē (οὐ μή) is emphatic: absolutely not! Applying allegorically: law and grace can't coexist as means of inheritance. One must be cast out. You can't mix flesh and Spirit, works and faith, law and grace. The Galatians must choose: cast out the law-covenant (bondwoman) or lose the promise-covenant (freewoman). Trying to keep both means losing both. Paul demands decisive rejection of law-righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sarah's demand seemed cruel, but God confirmed it because Ishmael threatened Isaac's unique status as heir. Allegorically, law-observance threatens the gospel. The Judaizers wanted both: faith in Christ plus circumcision and law-keeping. Paul insists this corrupts the gospel entirely (1:6-9, 5:2-4). No mixing allowed. This uncompromising stance characterized early church struggles: Christianity must decisively break from law-based righteousness while still honoring the Old Testament as Scripture. The new covenant replaces the old as means of relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'bondwoman' elements (law-works, religious performance as grounds for acceptance) do you need to 'cast out' decisively from your relationship with God?
  2. Why is mixing grace and works so dangerous that Paul demands complete expulsion of the law-principle?
  3. How do you recognize when you're trying to be an heir both 'through the bondwoman' (law) and 'through the freewoman' (promise)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 25

Nevertheless

G235

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

τί2 of 25

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

λέγει3 of 25

saith

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

4 of 25
G3588

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

γραφή;5 of 25

the scripture

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Ἔκβαλε6 of 25

Cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὴν7 of 25
G3588

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

παιδίσκης8 of 25

of the bondwoman

G3814

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

καὶ9 of 25

and

G2532

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

τὸν10 of 25
G3588

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

υἱοῦ11 of 25

son

G5207

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

αὐτῆς·12 of 25

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐ13 of 25
G3756

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

γὰρ14 of 25

for

G1063

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

μὴ15 of 25
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κληρονομήσῃ16 of 25

be heir

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

17 of 25
G3588

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

υἱοῦ18 of 25

son

G5207

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

τῆς19 of 25
G3588

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

παιδίσκης20 of 25

of the bondwoman

G3814

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

μετὰ21 of 25

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοῦ22 of 25
G3588

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

υἱοῦ23 of 25

son

G5207

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

τῆς24 of 25
G3588

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

ἐλευθέρας25 of 25

of the 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 4:30 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 4:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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