Galatians Chapter 4 · Verse 29

Authorized King James Version

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But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Original Language Analysis

ἀλλ' But G235
ἀλλ' But
Strong's: G235
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὥσπερ as G5618
ὥσπερ as
Strong's: G5618
Word #: 2 of 14
just as, i.e., exactly like
τότε then G5119
τότε then
Strong's: G5119
Word #: 3 of 14
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ after G2596
κατὰ after
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 5 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σάρκα the flesh G4561
σάρκα the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 6 of 14
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
γεννηθεὶς he that was born G1080
γεννηθεὶς he that was born
Strong's: G1080
Word #: 7 of 14
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐδίωκεν persecuted G1377
ἐδίωκεν persecuted
Strong's: G1377
Word #: 8 of 14
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ after G2596
κατὰ after
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 10 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πνεῦμα the Spirit G4151
πνεῦμα the Spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 11 of 14
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
οὕτως so G3779
οὕτως so
Strong's: G3779
Word #: 12 of 14
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
καὶ even G2532
καὶ even
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν it is now G3568
νῦν it is now
Strong's: G3568
Word #: 14 of 14
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

Analysis & Commentary

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Paul points to historical pattern. "But as then" (all' hōsper tote, ἀλλ' ὥσπερ τότε)—just as in that time. "He that was born after the flesh" (ho kata sarka gennētheis)—Ishmael, representing the flesh-principle. "Persecuted him that was born after the Spirit" (ediōken ton kata pneuma)—Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Genesis doesn't explicitly state this, but Genesis 21:9 says Ishmael "mocked" Isaac (Hebrew metsacheq), which Jewish tradition interpreted as harassment or persecution.

"Even so it is now" (houtōs kai nyn, οὕτως καὶ νῦν)—the same pattern continues. Those operating on the flesh-principle (Judaizers, law-observers, works-righteous religionists) persecute those operating on the Spirit-principle (believers trusting Christ's finished work and the Spirit's power). Law-religion has always opposed grace-religion. Cain killed Abel (1 John 3:12); Jews persecuted Jesus and apostles; Judaizers attacked Paul and confused Galatian believers. This persecution validates the Spirit-born: if the flesh-born opposed you, you're in good company with Isaac!

Historical Context

Paul experienced constant opposition from Judaizers who followed him undermining his gospel (Acts 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 11:4-5, Philippians 3:2). This wasn't merely theological debate but often physical persecution (Acts 14:19, 2 Corinthians 11:24-25). The flesh/Spirit conflict manifests in religious persecution: those trusting their own righteousness can't tolerate those trusting Christ's righteousness alone. This pattern continues: legalists and works-righteous religious people often most fiercely oppose grace-centered gospel proclamation.

Questions for Reflection