King James Version

What Does Galatians 4:31 Mean?

Galatians 4:31 in the King James Version says “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 4:31 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Paul's triumphant conclusion to chapter 4. "So then" (dio, διό)—therefore, based on everything said. "Brethren" (adelphoi, ἀδελφοί)—fellow believers, emphasizing family identity. "We are not children of the bondwoman" (ouk esmen paidiskēs tekna, οὐκ ἐσμέν παιδίσκης τέκνα)—emphatic denial. We don't have slave-heritage through Hagar/law.

"But of the free" (alla tēs eleutheras, ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐλευθέρας)—strong adversative. We are children of the free woman, Sarah/promise/grace. Our spiritual genealogy is freedom, not slavery. Our mother is heavenly Jerusalem (4:26), our birth is by the Spirit (4:29), our inheritance is through promise (4:28). This identity statement prepares for chapter 5's exhortation to stand fast in freedom. Knowing who you are (free-born children of promise) determines how you live (in freedom, not slavery). Identity shapes practice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This concluding verse summarizes Paul's argument from 3:1-4:31: believers are justified by faith apart from law-works, sons of God through faith in Christ, heirs according to promise, children of the free woman, citizens of heavenly Jerusalem. All this is gift received by faith, not achievement earned by works. The Judaizers' program would reverse this, making believers children of the bondwoman. Paul has demolished their position using Scripture, experience, logic, and allegory. Now he'll turn to practical exhortation based on this theological foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing you're a free-born child of promise rather than a slave-born child of law change how you approach God daily?
  2. What specific freedoms do you possess as a child of the free woman that you're not currently enjoying?
  3. How should this identity as free-born children shape Christian community and relationships with other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἄρα,1 of 9

“So then”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

ἀδελφοί2 of 9

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

οὐκ3 of 9

“not”

G3756

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

ἐσμὲν4 of 9

“we are”

G2070

we are

παιδίσκης5 of 9

“of the bondwoman”

G3814

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

τέκνα6 of 9

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἀλλὰ7 of 9

“but”

G235

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

τῆς8 of 9
G3588

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

ἐλευθέρας9 of 9

“of the free”

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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 8:36Galatians 5:13John 1:12-13Galatians 5:1Hebrews 2:14-151 John 3:1-2

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