Galatians 4:30

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

Nevertheless

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

λέγει

G3004

saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἡ

G3588

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

γραφή;

G1124

the scripture

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Ἔκβαλε

G1544

Cast out

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὴν

G3588

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

παιδίσκης

G3814

of the bondwoman

a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τὸν

G3588

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

#11

υἱοῦ

G5207

son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#12

αὐτῆς·

G846

her

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

#13

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#14

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#15

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#16

κληρονομήσῃ

G2816

be heir

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

#17

ὁ

G3588

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

#18

υἱοῦ

G5207

son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#19

τῆς

G3588

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

#20

παιδίσκης

G3814

of the bondwoman

a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant

#21

μετὰ

G3326

with

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

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

υἱοῦ

G5207

son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#24

τῆς

G3588

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

#25

ἐλευθέρας

G1658

of the freewoman

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?