What is the meaning of Galatians 4:23? His son by the slave woman • Paul is recalling Genesis 16, where Abram fathered Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant. • The slave-mother sets the stage: what begins in bondage produces children who remain in bondage (Galatians 4:24-25). • Jesus highlights the same principle—“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Our natural lineage and efforts cannot free us. Was born according to the flesh • “According to the flesh” points to purely human planning and strength. Abram and Sarai acted on impatience, not on faith (Genesis 16:1-4). • Romans 9:8 echoes Paul’s point: “It is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but the children of the promise.” • Any attempt to secure God’s blessing by human merit mirrors Ishmael’s birth—well-intended but powerless to produce spiritual freedom (Galatians 3:3). But his son by the free woman • The “free woman” is Sarah, legally Abram’s wife and never a slave. Freedom is her defining identity (Genesis 17:15-19). • Just as Sarah was free, the new covenant produces people who are “no longer slaves, but sons” (Galatians 4:7). • In Christ, believers receive the birthright Isaac enjoyed—full membership in God’s household (John 1:12). Was born through the promise • Isaac arrived by supernatural intervention—God restored Sarah’s barren womb long past childbearing age (Genesis 18:10-14; 21:1-2). • Romans 4:18-21 celebrates Abraham’s unwavering trust that “what God had promised, He was able to perform”. • Hebrews 11:11 underscores that Sarah “considered Him faithful who had promised.” God’s promise, not human effort, produced the heir. • The gospel repeats the pattern: we are “born again…through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). New life springs solely from divine promise. summary • Ishmael represents what human ingenuity can craft; Isaac showcases what only God can create. • Bondage or freedom, flesh or promise—Paul draws a stark contrast so believers will rest in Christ’s finished work rather than their own striving. • Just as Isaac’s birth proved God’s word unfailing, every believer’s spiritual birth testifies that the Lord still keeps His promises. |
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