Galatians 4:31
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα,
So then
G686
ἄρα,
So then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 9
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 9
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
παιδίσκης
of the bondwoman
G3814
παιδίσκης
of the bondwoman
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
5 of 9
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
John 8:36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Historical Context
This concluding verse summarizes Paul's argument from 3:1-4:31: believers are justified by faith apart from law-works, sons of God through faith in Christ, heirs according to promise, children of the free woman, citizens of heavenly Jerusalem. All this is gift received by faith, not achievement earned by works. The Judaizers' program would reverse this, making believers children of the bondwoman. Paul has demolished their position using Scripture, experience, logic, and allegory. Now he'll turn to practical exhortation based on this theological foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing you're a free-born child of promise rather than a slave-born child of law change how you approach God daily?
- What specific freedoms do you possess as a child of the free woman that you're not currently enjoying?
- How should this identity as free-born children shape Christian community and relationships with other believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Paul's triumphant conclusion to chapter 4. "So then" (dio, διό)—therefore, based on everything said. "Brethren" (adelphoi, ἀδελφοί)—fellow believers, emphasizing family identity. "We are not children of the bondwoman" (ouk esmen paidiskēs tekna, οὐκ ἐσμέν παιδίσκης τέκνα)—emphatic denial. We don't have slave-heritage through Hagar/law.
"But of the free" (alla tēs eleutheras, ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐλευθέρας)—strong adversative. We are children of the free woman, Sarah/promise/grace. Our spiritual genealogy is freedom, not slavery. Our mother is heavenly Jerusalem (4:26), our birth is by the Spirit (4:29), our inheritance is through promise (4:28). This identity statement prepares for chapter 5's exhortation to stand fast in freedom. Knowing who you are (free-born children of promise) determines how you live (in freedom, not slavery). Identity shapes practice.