Galatians 4:21
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Original Language Analysis
Λέγετέ
Tell
G3004
Λέγετέ
Tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 11
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 11
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
θέλοντες
ye that desire
G2309
θέλοντες
ye that desire
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
6 of 11
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
9 of 11
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Historical Context
"The law" in Jewish usage could mean the entire Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy), not just commandments. Paul will cite Genesis 16-21 (Sarah and Hagar narrative) to prove his point. Jewish interpretive tradition included allegorical and typological reading alongside literal meaning. Paul employs this method, seeing in the historical Sarah-Hagar story a theological allegory of two covenants. His audience, influenced by Judaizers who claimed Torah authority, must reckon with Paul's Torah-based argument against their position.
Questions for Reflection
- How carefully do you read and understand Scripture, especially parts you cite to support your positions?
- Are you open to discovering that texts you thought supported your views actually teach something different or deeper?
- What does it mean to truly 'hear' Scripture—not just read words but understand and heed God's message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Paul launches into allegory using Scripture. "Tell me" (legete moi, λέγετέ μοι)—answer me, respond. "Ye that desire to be under the law" (hoi hypo nomon thelontes einai, οἱ ὑπὸ νόμον θέλοντες εἶναι)—those wanting to live under law's jurisdiction and authority. They desire law-based relationship with God. Paul challenges: you want law? Let's examine what law teaches!
"Do ye not hear the law?" (ton nomon ouk akouete, τὸν νόμον οὐκ ἀκούετε)—don't you listen to the law? "Hear" (akouō) means both physical hearing and understanding, heeding. "The law" (ton nomon) can mean the Pentateuch broadly or specific Torah texts. Paul will use Genesis (part of Torah) to demonstrate that law itself teaches salvation by promise through faith, not by works. This is master rhetorical move: using the Judaizers' authority (Torah) to demolish their position. If you properly understand Torah, you'll see it points to Christ and faith, not to circumcision and works-righteousness.