Galatians 4:27
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
1 of 25
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Εὐφράνθητι
Rejoice
G2165
Εὐφράνθητι
Rejoice
Strong's:
G2165
Word #:
3 of 25
to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τίκτουσα
that bearest
G5088
τίκτουσα
that bearest
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
7 of 25
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
ῥῆξον
break forth
G4486
ῥῆξον
break forth
Strong's:
G4486
Word #:
8 of 25
to "break," "wreck" or "crack", i.e., (especially) to sunder (by separation of the parts; g2608 being its intensive (with the preposition in compositi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὠδίνουσα·
thou that travailest
G5605
ὠδίνουσα·
thou that travailest
Strong's:
G5605
Word #:
13 of 25
to experience the pains of parturition (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολλὰ
hath many more
G4183
πολλὰ
hath many more
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
15 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμου
the desolate
G2048
ἐρήμου
the desolate
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
19 of 25
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχούσης
she which hath
G2192
ἐχούσης
she which hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
23 of 25
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Psalms 113:9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.1 Samuel 2:5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.Isaiah 49:21Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?2 Samuel 13:20And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
Historical Context
Isaiah 54:1 originally encouraged exiled Israel with promise of restoration and multiplication. Paul sees deeper fulfillment: the new covenant community, once 'barren' (Gentiles without covenant privileges), would explode with growth, far surpassing old covenant Israel's numbers. Church history validated this: Christianity spread rapidly among Gentiles, eventually encompassing far more people than Judaism ever did. The 'impossible' fertility of aged Sarah, bearing Isaac, prefigured the 'impossible' multiplication of Gentile believers through the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God specialize in bringing spiritual fruit from 'barren' situations—people and circumstances that seem spiritually dead?
- What barren areas of your life need to hear God's command: 'Rejoice! Break forth and cry!'?
- How does the global spread of the gospel among all nations fulfill God's promise that the 'desolate' would have more children than the privileged?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Paul cites Isaiah 54:1 to support his argument. The prophet addressed exiled Israel as a barren woman who would miraculously bear many children. Paul applies this to Sarah and the church. "Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not" (euphran thē, steira hē ou tiktousa, εὐφράνθητι, στεῖρα ἡ οὐ τίκτουσα)—the barren one (Sarah, unable to conceive naturally) is commanded to rejoice.
"Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not" (rhēxon kai boēson, hē ouk ōdinousa)—shout joyfully, you who don't experience labor pains (because you don't give birth naturally). "For the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband" (hoti polla ta tekna tēs erēmou mallon ē tēs echousēs ton andra)—the abandoned, desolate woman (Sarah-type, the promise-covenant) has more children than the woman with a husband (Hagar-type, the law-covenant). This prophesies the gospel's success among Gentiles: multitudes of 'barren' Gentiles (outside covenant) would become God's children through faith, outnumbering ethnic Jews.