Galatians 4:25

Authorized King James Version

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τῶν

G3588

which

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

Ἁγὰρ

G28

this Agar

hagar, the concubine of abraham

Σινᾶ

G4614

Sinai

sina (i.e., sinai), a mountain in arabia

ὄρος

G3735

mount

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

ἐστὶν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῶν

G3588

which

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

Ἀραβίᾳ·

G688

Arabia

arabia, a region of asia

#10

συστοιχεῖ

G4960

answereth

to file together (as soldiers in ranks), i.e., (figuratively) to correspond to

#11

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#12

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#13

νῦν

G3568

now is

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

#14

Ἰερουσαλήμ

G2419

to Jerusalem

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

#15

δουλεύει

G1398

is in bondage

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

#16

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#17

μετὰ

G3326

with

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

#18

τῶν

G3588

which

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

#19

τέκνων

G5043

children

a child (as produced)

#20

αὐτῆς

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?