Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of a "freewoman" is primarily understood in contrast to a "bondwoman" or slave. The term is most notably explored in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, where it is used both literally and allegorically to convey spiritual truths about freedom in Christ.Biblical References: 1. Galatians 4:22-31: The Apostle Paul uses the account of Sarah and Hagar to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living in the freedom of God's promise. In this passage, Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is referred to as the "freewoman," while Hagar, the servant, is the "bondwoman." Paul writes, "For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman" (Galatians 4:22). He further explains that these women represent two covenants: Hagar corresponds to Mount Sinai and the old covenant of the law, while Sarah represents the new covenant of grace and the heavenly Jerusalem. Paul concludes, "Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman" (Galatians 4:31). 2. Isaiah 54:1: This Old Testament prophecy is quoted by Paul in Galatians 4:27 to support his allegory. The verse states, "Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband" . This passage is interpreted as a promise of fruitfulness and freedom for those who are part of the new covenant, symbolized by the freewoman. Theological Significance: The concept of the freewoman is deeply rooted in the theme of spiritual freedom and inheritance. In the biblical narrative, Sarah's status as a freewoman is not merely a social designation but a theological symbol of the freedom and promise given to those who are in Christ. This freedom is contrasted with the bondage of the law, represented by Hagar and her descendants. Paul's use of the freewoman/bondwoman allegory serves to emphasize the transformative power of the gospel. Believers are called to live as children of the promise, enjoying the liberty that comes from faith in Jesus Christ. This freedom is not a license for sin but a call to live in the Spirit, as Paul later elaborates in Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery" . Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, the distinction between free and slave was significant, affecting one's social status, rights, and inheritance. A freewoman, like Sarah, had a different legal and social standing compared to a bondwoman like Hagar. This distinction is crucial in understanding the full impact of Paul's allegory, as it would have resonated deeply with his audience, who were familiar with the implications of such social divisions. Practical Application: For contemporary believers, the message of the freewoman serves as a reminder of the spiritual freedom and identity found in Christ. It encourages Christians to embrace their status as heirs of God's promise, living in the freedom that comes from grace rather than under the constraints of legalism. This identity calls for a life of faith, hope, and love, reflecting the character of the heavenly Jerusalem, the mother of all who believe. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FREEWOMANfre'-woom-an (eleuthera): Found but 4 times in the King James Version (Galatians 4:22, 23, 10, 31). In the first three passages it refers to Sarah, the freewoman and true wife of Abraham as in contrast with Hagar, the Egyptian slave girl who became his concubine (Genesis 16:1). In the last passage a metaphorical application of the term is made to the Christians who are the children of promise, of freedom, of the spirit, the children of the freewoman, in contrast with the Jews who are the children of the letter, of bondage, of the bondwoman. Library Fourth Sunday in Lent The Two Covenants: their Relation Scriptural Confirmation of the Catholic Doctrine. The Old Testament is Properly one Thing --The Old Instrument ... Galatians Chapter iv. Miscellaneous Subjects. That Women Ought not to Live in Bishops' Houses, nor in ... All Righteous Men Before and after Abraham are Children of the ... The New Testament is More Ancient than the Old; but it was ... Why one of the Covenants is Called Old, the Other New. Thesaurus Freewoman (4 Occurrences)...FREEWOMAN. fre'-woom-an (eleuthera): Found but 4 times in the King James Version (Galatians 4:22, 23, 10, 31). ...Freewoman (4 Occurrences). ... /f/freewoman.htm - 8k Bondwoman (17 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Free-woman (4 Occurrences) Mered (2 Occurrences) Bondmaid (18 Occurrences) Howbeit (103 Occurrences) Nevertheless (153 Occurrences) Sarai (13 Occurrences) Sarah (38 Occurrences) Resources Summary of the Book of Galatians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgFreewoman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freewoman (4 Occurrences)Galatians 4:22 Galatians 4:23 Galatians 4:30 Galatians 4:31 Subtopics Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Maid-servant's (2 Occurrences) |
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