Galatians 4:22
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
1 of 16
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
υἱοὺς
sons
G5207
υἱοὺς
sons
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
6 of 16
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἔσχεν
had
G2192
ἔσχεν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίσκης
a bondmaid
G3814
παιδίσκης
a bondmaid
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
11 of 16
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Genesis 16 narrates Ishmael's birth: Sarah, barren, gave her servant Hagar to Abraham to produce an heir through her—human effort to fulfill God's promise. Genesis 21 narrates Isaac's birth: supernaturally conceived when both Abraham and Sarah were past natural childbearing—divine power fulfilling divine promise. Paul sees these births as more than history; they're types, patterns illustrating flesh versus faith, works versus grace, law versus promise. This typological reading was common in Jewish and early Christian interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the distinction between Ishmael (human effort) and Isaac (divine promise) illustrate different approaches to relating to God?
- In what areas of your spiritual life are you producing 'Ishmaels'—trying to fulfill God's promises through human effort rather than trusting divine power?
- What does it mean to read Old Testament narratives not merely as history but as types illustrating spiritual realities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Paul begins his allegory from Genesis. "For it is written" (gegraptai gar, γέγραπται γάρ)—Scripture says, introducing authoritative citation. "Abraham had two sons" (Abraam dyo huious eschen)—Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 16, 21). Actually Abraham had more sons (Genesis 25:1-6), but Paul focuses on these two for his typological argument.
"The one by a bondmaid" (hena ek tēs paidiskēs, ἕνα ἐκ τῆς παιδίσκης)—Ishmael, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave. "The other by a freewoman" (kai hena ek tēs eleutheras)—Isaac, born to Sarah, Abraham's wife, a free woman. This distinction between slave-mother and free-mother will carry allegorical weight. Paul sees prophetic significance in these historical details. The circumstances of each son's birth illustrate two different principles by which people relate to God.