Galatians 4:24

Galatians 4:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar.

King James Version KJV

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

American Standard Version ASV

Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Which things have a secret sense; because these women are the two agreements; one from the mountain of Sinai, giving birth to servants, which is Hagar.

Free Bible Version FBV

This provides an analogy: these two women represent two agreements. One agreement is from Mount Sinai—Hagar—and she gives birth to slave children.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

By the which things another thing is meant: for these mothers are the two testaments, the one which is Agar of mount Sina, which gendreth vnto bondage.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

which things are allegorized, for these are the two covenants: one, indeed, from mount Sinai, to servitude bringing forth, which is Hagar;

World English Bible WEB

These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments. The one from mount Sina, engendering unto bondage; which is Agar:

Translation for Translators T4T

I am telling you this as an illustration. These two women symbolize two agreements. God made the first agreement, which involved obeying the laws that God gave to Moses at Sinai Mountain. Because that agreement forces those who accept it to keep obeying all its rules [MET], it is like a slave mother who gives birth to slaves. So Hagar, the female slave, symbolizes that agreement.

Plain English Version PEV

That old story teaches us something else too. Those 2 women are like pictures of the 2 agreements that God made with his people. Hagar is like the agreement that God made on the big hill called Sinai, where he gave the Jews their law. That agreement makes people like prisoners. They are not free. They have to work all the time to follow that law.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:24

BAB

Word Study

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Galatians 4:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ατινα εστιν αλληγορουμενα αυται γαρ εισιν δυο διαθηκαι μια μεν απο ορους σινα εις δουλειαν γεννωσα ητις εστιν αγαρ

ατινα hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NPN

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

αλληγορουμενα allēgoreō G238 to use an analogy Verb-PPP-NPN

αυται ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-NPF

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

εισιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3P

δυο duo G1417 two Adj-NUI

διαθηκαι diathēkē G1242 covenant Noun-NPF

μια ehis G1520 one Adj-NSF

μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle

απο apo G575 away from Prep

ορους oros G3735 mountain Noun-GSN

σινα Sina G4614 (Mount) Sinai Noun-PRI

εις eis G1519 toward Prep

δουλειαν douleia G1397 slavery Noun-ASF

γεννωσα gennaō G1080 to beget Verb-PAP-NSF

ητις hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NSF

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

αγαρ Agar G28 Hagar Noun-PRI

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Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:24

ατινα hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NPN

This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.

Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

αλληγορουμενα allēgoreō G238 "to use an analogy" Verb-PPP-NPN

To allegorize means to use an analogy or symbol to explain a deeper meaning, like Paul does in Galatians 4:24 when he interprets the story of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory of the old and new covenants.

Definition: ἀλληγορέω, -ῶ (ἄλλος, ἀγορεύω) to speak allegorically (Cremer, 96 ff.): Gal.4:24.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: be an allegory (the Greek word itself) See also: Galatians 4:24.

αυται ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-NPF

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

εισιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

δυο duo G1417 "two" Adj-NUI

Means two in number, used in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:8 to describe a married couple, and in Luke 10:1 to describe sending disciples out two by two.

Definition: δύο, numeral, indecl. exc. in dative, δυσί, δυσίν (Attic δυοῖν), two: Mat.19:6, Mrk.10:8, Jhn.2:6, al.; with pl. noun, Mat.9:27 10:10, al.; οἱ, τῶν, τοὺς δ., Mat.19:5 20:24, Mrk.10:8, Eph.2:15, al.; δ. ἐξ, Luk.24:13; distrib., ἀνὰ, κατὰ δ., two and two, two apiece: Luk.10:1 (WH, ἀνὰ δ. [δύο]), Jhn.2:6, 1Co.14:27; δύο δύο (= ἀνὰ δ., as LXX, Gen.6:19 for שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם, but not merely "Hebraism," cf. μυρία μυρία, Æsch., Pers., 981, and for usage in π. and MGr., see M, Pr., 21, 97), Mrk.6:7; εἰς δ. (two and two, Xen., Cyr., 7, 5, 17), into two parts, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 121 NT verses. KJV: both, twain, two See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Mark 6:7; Hebrews 6:18.

διαθηκαι diathēkē G1242 "covenant" Noun-NPF

A covenant is a formal agreement or contract between two parties, like a will or a promise. In the Bible, it often refers to God's promises to his people, as seen in Galatians 3:15 and Hebrews 9:16.

Definition: διαθήκη, -ης, ἡ (διατίθημι), [frequently in LXX, and nearly always for בְּרִית ;] __1. as usually in cl., a disposition, testament, will (Plat., al.): Gal.3:15 (R, mg., but see Lft., in l.), Heb.9:16, 17 (R, txt.; MM, Exp., xi; Milligan, NTD, 75; Abbott, Essays, 107; Deiss., LAE, 341; but see infr.). __2. As in LXX (for בְּרִית) = cl. συνθήκη, a convention, arrangement, covenant (exc. in the disputed cases mentioned above, always between God and man, "perhaps with the feeling that the δια- compound was more suitable than the συν- for a covenant with God---συνθ. might suggest equal terms," MM, Exp., l.with): Gal.3:15 (R, txt., but see supr., and cf. Thayer, see word), Heb.9:16, 17 (R, mg., Westc., in l.; Hatch, Essays, 47; but see supr.), Mat.26:28, Mrk.14:24, Luk.1:72, Act.3:25 7:8, Rom.11:27" (LXX), 2Co.3:14, Gal.3:17, Heb.7:22 8:6, ib. 9, 10" (LXX) 9:4, 15-17 20" (LXX) 10:16 (LXX), 29 12:24 13:20, Rev.11:19; καινὴ δ., Mat.26:28, and Mrk.14:24 (R, mg.), Luk.22:20, 1Co.11:25, 2Co.3:6, Heb.8:8" (LXX) 9:15; pl. Rom.9:4, Gal.4:24, Eph.2:12.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: covenant, testament See also: 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 7:22.

μια ehis G1520 "one" Adj-NSF

The Greek word for one, used to describe unity or agreement, as seen in John 10:30 and Romans 12:4-5. It emphasizes oneness and togetherness. This concept is key in Christian teachings.

Definition: εἷς ιά, ἕν, genitive ἑνός, μιᾶς, ἑνός, cardinal numeral, one; __1. one, as opposite to many: Mat.25:15, Rom.5:12, 1Co.10:8, al.; as subst., Rom.5:15, Eph.2:14; id. with genitive partit., Mat.5:19, al.; before ἐκ (ἐξ), Mrk.14:18, Jhn.6:8, al.; metaphorically, of union and concord, Jhn.10:30 17:11, Rom.12:4-5, Php.1:27; ἀπὸ μιᾶς (B1., § 44, 1), Luk.14:18; with neg., εἷς. . . οὐ (μή), more emphatic than οὐδείς, no one, none (cl.), Mat.5:18 10:29, Luk.11:46 12:6. __2. Emphatically, to the exclusion of others; __(a) a single (one): Mat.21:24, Mrk.8:14; absol., 1Co.9:24, al.; οὐδὲ εἷς, Mat.27:14, Jhn.1:3, Rom.3:10, al.; __(b) one, alone: Mrk.2:7 10:18, Luk.18:19; __(with) one and the same: Rom.3:30, 1Co.3:8 11:5 12:11, 1Jn.5:8. __3. In late Gk., with weakened force, = τις or indef. art. (of. Heb. אֶחָד, Gen.22:13, al.; see B1., § 45, 2; M, Pr., 96 f.): Mat.8:19 19:6, Rev.8:13, al.; εἷς τις (Bl., l.with), Luk.22:50, Jhn.11:49 __4. Distributively: εἷς καστος (cl.), Luk.4:40, Act.2:6, al.; εἷς . . . καὶ εἷς (cl., εἷς μὲν . . . εἷς δέ), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.20:12, al. (cf. LXX and use of Heb. אֶחָד, Exo.17:12, al); ὁ εἷς . . . ὁ ἕτερος (ἄλλος) = cl. ὁ μὲν (ἕτερος) . . . ὁ δέ (ἕτερος), Mat.6:24, Luk.7:41, Rev.17:10; καθ᾽ εἷς, εἷς κ. είς (in which καθ᾽ is adverbial, or the expression formed from the analogy of ἕν καθ᾽ ἔν; M, Pr., 105), one by one, severally: Mrk.14:19, Rom.12:5, al.; εἷς τὸν ἕνα = ἀλλήλους (B1., 45, 2; M, Pr., 246), 1Th.5:11. __5. As ordinal = πρῶτος (like Heb. אֶחָד; Bl., § 45, 1; M, Pr., 95 f.), first: Mat.28:1, Mrk.16:2, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 291 NT verses. KJV: a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; John 12:4; Hebrews 2:11.

μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle

This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.

Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.

απο apo G575 "away from" Prep

This word means moving away from something, like a place or a time. It's used in many parts of the Bible, like Matthew 5:29 and Luke 5:2, to show movement or separation. It can also mean because of something.

Definition: ἀπό (on the frequently neglect of elision bef. vowels, see Tdf., Pr., 94, WH, App., 146), prep. with genitive (WM, 462ff.; on its relation to ἐκ, παρά, ὑπό, ib. 456f.), [in LXX for לְ ,בְּ ,מִן ;] from (i.e. from the exterior). __1. Of separation and cessation; __(1) of motion from a place: Mat.5:29, 30 7:23, Luk.5:2 22:41, al.; __(2) in partitive sense (M, Pr., 72, 102, 245; MM, see word; Bl., §40, 2), Mat.9:16 27:21, Jhn.21:10, Act.5:2, al.; also after verbs of eating, etc.; __(3) of alienation (cl. genitive of separation), after such verbs as λούω (Deiss., BS, 227), λύω, σώζω, παύω, etc.; ἀνάθεμα ἀ., Rom.9:3; ἀποθνήσκειν ἀ., Col.2:20; σαλευθῆναι, 2Th.2:2, καθαρός, -ίζειν, ἀ. (Deiss., BS, 196, 216), Act.20:26, 2Co.7:1, Heb.9:14; __(4) of position, Mat.23:34 24:31, al.; after μακράν, Mat.8:30; transposed before measures of distance, Jhn.10:18 21:8, Rev.14:20 (Abbott, JG, 227); __(5) of time, ἀπὸ τ. ὥρας, ἡμέρας, etc., Mat.9:22, Jhn.19:27, Act.20:18, Php.1:5, al.; ἀπ᾽ αἰῶνος, Luk.1:70, al.; ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς, etc., Mat.19:4, Rom.1:20; ἀπὸ βρέφους, 2Ti.3:15; ἀφ᾽ ἧς, since, Luk.7:45, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νῦν, Luk.1:48, al.; ἀπὸ τότε, Mat.4:17, al.; ἀπὸ πέρυσι, a year ago, 2Co.8:10 9:2; ἀπὸ πρωΐ, Act.28:23; __(6) of order or rank, ἀπὸ διετοῦς, Mat.2:16; ἀπὸ Ἀβραάμ, Mat.1:17; ἐβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδάμ, Ju 14; ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου, Act.8:10, Heb.8:11; ἄρχεσθαι ἀπό, Mat.20:8, Jhn.8:9, Act.8:35, al. __2. Of origin; __(1) of birth, extraction, and hence, in late writers, __(a) of local extraction (cl. ἐξ; Abbott, JG, 227ff.), Mat.21:11, Mrk.15:43, Jhn.1:45, Act.10:38, al.; οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας (WM, §66, 6; M, Pr., 237; Westc, Rendall, in l.), Heb.13:24; __(b) of membership in a community or society (BL, §40, 2), Act.12:1, al.; __(with) of material (= cl. genitive; Bl. l.with; M, Pr., 102), Mat.3:4 27:21; __(d) after verbs of asking, seeking, etc., Luk.11:50, 51 1Th.2:6 (Milligan, in l.); __(2) of the cause, instrument, means or occasion (frequently = ὑπό, παρά, and after verbs of learning, hearing, knowing, etc.; Bl., §40, 3), Mat.7:16 11:29, Luk.22:45, Act.2:22 4:36 9:13 12:14, 1Co.11:23, Gal.3:2, al.; ἀπὸ τ. ὄχλου, Luk.19:3 (cf. Jhn.21:6, Act.22:11); ἀπὸ τ. φόβου, Mat.14:26, al. (cf. Mat.10:26 13:44). __3. Noteworthy Hellenistic phrases: φοβεῖσθαι ἀπό (M, Pr., 102, 107); προσέχειν ἀπό (M, Pr., 11. with; Milligan, NTD, 50); ἀπὸ νότου (Heb. מִגֶּנֶב), Rev.21:13; ἀπὸ προσώπου (מִפְּנֵי), 2Th.1:9 (Bl., §40, 9); ἀπὸ τ. καρδιῶν (בְּלֵב), Mat.18:35; ἀπὸ ὁ ὤν (WM, §10, 2; M, Pr., 9), Rev.1:4. __4. In composition, ἀπό denotes separation, departure, origin, etc. (ἀπολύω, ἀπέρχομαι, ἀπογράφω); it also has a perfective force (M, Pr., 112, 247), as in ἀφικνεῖσθαι, which see (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 600 NT verses. KJV: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Acts 8:10; 1 Peter 1:12.

ορους oros G3735 "mountain" Noun-GSN

This word means a mountain, a high elevation of land, as mentioned in Matthew 4:8 and Mark 9:2. It is often used in the New Testament to describe a specific location or setting. The word is also used to symbolize a place of spiritual significance.

Definition: ὄρος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly, and very freq., for הַר ;] a mountain: Mat.4:8 17:1, Mrk.9:2, Jhn.4:20, 2Pe.1:18, al.; opposite to βουνός, Luk.3:5 (LXX); ὄ. τ. ἐλαιῶν, Mat.21:1 24:3, al. (see: ἐ.); ὄ. Σιών (Σ., prob. in gem appos.), Heb.12:22, Rev.14:1; ὄ. Σινά, Act.7:30, 38 Gal.4:24-25; τὸ ὄ., of the hill district as distinct from the lowlands, esp. the hills above the Sea of Galilee, Mat.5:1 8:1, Mrk.3:13 6:46, al.; τὰ ὄ., Mat.18:12, Mrk.5:5, Heb.11:38, Rev.6:14, al.; proverbially (cf. Rabbinic, הדים עקר), of overcoming difficulties, accomplishing marvels, ὄρη μεθιστάνειν, 1Co.13:2, cf. Mat.17:20 21:21, Mrk.11:23 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 65 NT verses. KJV: hill, mount(-ain) See also: 1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 5:11; Hebrews 8:5.

σινα Sina G4614 "(Mount) Sinai" Noun-PRI

Sinai refers to a mountain in Arabia where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, as described in Exodus and Acts. It is also mentioned in Galatians.

Definition: Σινά (-ᾶ, Rec.), indecl. (but τὸ Σιναῖον, FlJ, Ant., iii, 5, 1; τὸ Σιναῖον ὄρος, ib. ii, 12, 1), τό (Heb. סִינַי), Sinai (Exo.19:11, al.): Act.7:30, 38, Gal.4:24-25† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: Sina See also: Acts 7:30; Galatians 4:24; Galatians 4:25.

εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep

This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.

Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.

δουλειαν douleia G1397 "slavery" Noun-ASF

Slavery refers to being in bondage or captivity, as seen in Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:24. It can be literal or figurative, like being a slave to sin.

Definition: δουλεία (T, -λία), -ας, ἡ (δουλεύω), [in LXX, as Exo.13:3, for עֶבֶד and cognates ;] slavery, bondage: Rom.8:15, 21 Gal.4:24 5:1, Heb.2:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: bondage See also: Galatians 4:24; Hebrews 2:15; Romans 8:15.

γεννωσα gennaō G1080 "to beget" Verb-PAP-NSF

To beget means to produce or create offspring, and is used to describe the father or mother of a child. It can also mean to regenerate or be born again, as seen in Matthew and Luke.

Definition: γεννάω, -ῶ (γέννα, poët. for γένος), [in LXX chiefly for ילד ;] __1. of the father, to beget: with accusative, Mat.1:1-16, Act.7:8, 29; before ἐκ, Mat.1:3, 5, 6. __2. Of the mother, to bring forth, bear: Luk.1:13, 57 23:29, Jhn.16:21; εἰς δουλείαν, Gal.4:24. Pass. __(1) to be begotten: Mat.1:20; __(2) to be born: Mat.2:1, 4 19:12 26:24, Mrk.14:21, Luk.1:35, Jhn.3:4, Act.7:20, Rom.9:11, Heb.11:23; before εἰς, Jhn.16:21 18:37, 2Pe.2:12; ἐν, Act.2:8 22:3, (ἁμαρτίαις), Jhn.9:34; ἀπό, Heb.11:12 (WH, mg., ἐγεν-); ἐκ, Jhn.1:13 3:6 8:41; with adj., τυφλὸς γ., Jhn.9:2; [Ῥωμαῖος ], Act.22:28; κατὰ σάρκα: κ. πνεῦμα: Gal.4:29. Metaphorical; μάχας, 2Ti.2:23; ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα, 1Co.4:15, (ὅν), Phm 10; in quotation, Psa.2:7 (LXX), Act.13:33, Heb.1:5 5:5; of Christians as begotten of God, born again: Jhn.1:13 3:3, 5-8, 1Jn.2:29 3:9 4:7 5:1, 4, 18 (cf. ἀνα-γεννάω); (Cremer, 146). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 64 NT verses. KJV: bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; John 9:20; Hebrews 1:5.

ητις hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NSF

This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

αγαρ Agar G28 "Hagar" Noun-PRI

Hagar was a servant who became the concubine of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, as told in Genesis 16 and mentioned in Galatians 4:24,25.

Definition: Ἅγαρ (Rec. Ἄ-), ἡ, indecl. (in FlJ, Ἀγάρα, -ης, Heb. הָגָר), Hagar (Gen.16): Gal.4:24,25.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Hagar See also: Galatians 4:24; Galatians 4:25.

Study Notes — Galatians 4:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Galatians 4:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:24
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:24
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:24
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:24
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:24
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:24
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:24
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:24
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:24
Sermons on Galatians 4:24

Context — Hagar and Sarah

22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.

24These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar.

25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 21:9–13	But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”
2	Hebrews 10:15–18	The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.” Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.
3	Genesis 16:8	“Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied.
4	Genesis 25:12	This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.
5	Hosea 11:10	They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.
6	Genesis 16:15–16	And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.
7	Hebrews 12:24	to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
8	1 Corinthians 10:11	Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
9	Matthew 13:35	So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
10	Hebrews 7:22	Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Galatians 4:24 Summary

[Galatians 4:24 explains that the two women, Hagar and Sarah, represent two covenants, one that leads to slavery and one that leads to freedom. The covenant from Mount Sinai, represented by Hagar, bears children into slavery, as seen in the story of Abraham and Hagar in Genesis 16:1-16. However, as believers in Christ, we are children of the free woman, enjoying the freedom and promise found in Him, as stated in Galatians 3:26-28 and Romans 6:14. This means we are no longer under the bondage of the Law, but are free to live in the Spirit, as seen in Romans 8:2 and Galatians 5:1.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the women in this verse represent?

The women in Galatians 4:24 represent two covenants, with one being from Mount Sinai, which bears children into slavery, represented by Hagar, as seen in the contrast between Hagar and Sarah in Genesis 16:1-16 and Genesis 21:1-21.

What is the significance of Mount Sinai in this context?

Mount Sinai is significant because it was the location where the Israelites received the Law, as recorded in Exodus 19:1-25, and here it represents a covenant that leads to slavery, as opposed to the covenant of promise and freedom found in Christ, as seen in Romans 8:2 and Galatians 3:23-29.

How does this verse relate to our spiritual lives today?

This verse reminds us that, as believers, we are not under the bondage of the Law, but are instead children of the free woman, enjoying the freedom and promise found in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3:26-28 and Romans 6:14.

What is the role of Hagar in this illustration?

Hagar represents the covenant from Mount Sinai, which bears children into slavery, highlighting the contrast between the flesh and the promise, as seen in the story of Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah in Genesis 16:1-16 and Genesis 21:1-21, and emphasizing the spiritual freedom found in Christ, as seen in John 8:36.

Reflection Questions

How do I know if I am living under the bondage of the Law or in the freedom of Christ?
What are some ways in which I can practically apply the truth of being a child of the free woman to my daily life?
In what ways do I still struggle with the flesh, and how can I trust in the promise of God to overcome these struggles, as seen in Romans 7:14-25 and Galatians 5:16-26?
How can I share the message of freedom in Christ with others who may still be under the bondage of the Law or other forms of spiritual slavery, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Galatians 5:1?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:24

Which things are an allegory,.... Or "are allegorized": so Sarah and Hagar were allegorized by Philo the Jew (p), before they were by the apostle.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:24

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:24

Which things are an allegory: that is called an allegory, when one thing is learned out of another, or something is mystically signified and to be understood further than is expressed. The Scripture hath a peculiar kind of allegories, wherein one thing is signified by and under another thing. The thing here signifying, was Abraham’ s wife and concubine, Sarah and Hagar. For these are the two covenants; the apostle saith, these signified the two covenants, for that is the meaning of are: so as here we have one text more where the verb substantive is put for signifieth; and it will be hard to assign a reason why it should not be so interpreted in the institution of the Lord’ s supper, notwithstanding the papists’ and Lutherans’ so earnest contending to the contrary. The very word is here used, diayhkai, that is used in the institution of the Lord’ s supper. Here it is, these are the two covenants or testaments; there, this is the new covenant. The apostle calls them two covenants, ( whereas they were but one), with reference to the time of their exhibition, and manner of their administration, in which they much differed. Nor must we understand the apostle as signifying to us by these words, that Moses wrote the history of Sarah and Hagar with such a design and intention; but only that that history is very applicable to the two covenants, and we shall find, , the apostle justifying this application from the authority of the prophet Isaiah. And hereto he complied with the general sense of the Jews, who judged that there was not only a literal, but a mystical sense also, of those histories of the patriarchs. The one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar: the one covenant was that of the law delivered from mount Sinai, this was like Hagar; for as Hagar was herself a bondwoman, and so her child did partake of the condition of the mother, and Hagar bare a bondman or servant; so the law (which he calls a covenant, because of the stipulation of obedience from the people to the will of God revealed and declared) left those that were under it in a state of bondage or servitude.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:24

24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. Ver. 24. Which things are an allegory] That is, they signify or import an allegory, αλληγορουμενα; or they, being the things that they were, represented and typed out the things that they were not. So did the brazen serpent, the deluge, the Red Sea, &c. As for those allegories of Origen, and other wanton wits, luxuriant this way, what are they else but Scripturarum spuma, as one calleth them, Scripture froth?

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:24

(24) Which things are an allegory.—Literally, Which things are allegorised—i.e., spoken in double sense,— “Where more is meant than meets the ear.” The allegorical sense does not exclude the literal sense. but is added to it. In like manner St. Paul speaks of the events which happened to the Israelites in their wanderings in the wilderness as happening “for our ensamples,” or, more correctly, “by way of types or figures” (1 Corinthians 10:11): though elsewhere a distinction is drawn between “type” and “allegory,” the first implying that the narrative on which it is based is true, the second that it is fictitious. St. Paul does not use the word here in this strict sense. The justification for the allegorical treatment of the patriarchal history may be expressed in the words of Calvin: “As the house of Abraham was at that time the true Church, so there can be no doubt that the chief and most memorable events which happened in it are so many types for us.” At the same time, the argumentative force of the passage evidently rests upon the apostolic assertion of Christian liberty, not upon the logical cogency of the inference from the details of the type to the thing typified. These are the two covenants.—“These,” i.e., these women, Hagar and Sarah. “Are,” in the sense of stand, for,” “typically represent,” as in the interpretation of the parable of the tares: “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world” (Matthew 13:39); or, in the words of the institution of the Lord’s Supper: “this is my body . . . this is my blood” (Matthew 26:26; Matthew 26:28), where the meaning is really as little doubtful as here. “The two covenants” should be simply “two covenants.” What covenants the Apostle goes on to explain. So, too, “the one” in the next clause should be rather one.Which gendereth to bondage.—Rather, bringing forth children unto bondage—i.e., unto a state of bondage, so that from the moment they are born they are subject to bondage. The progeny of Hagar is a nation of bondsmen, like the Jews under the old covenant.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:24

Verse 24. Which things are an allegory] They are to be understood spiritually; more being intended in the account than meets the eye. Allegory, from αλλος, another, and αγορεω, or αγοπευω, to speak, signifies a thing that is a representative of another, where the literal sense is the representative of a spiritual meaning; or, as the glossary expresses it, ἑτερωςκαταμεταφρασιννοουμενα, καιουκατατηναναγνωσιν· "where the thing is to be understood differently in the interpretation than it appears in the reading." Allegories are frequent in all countries, and are used by all writers. In the life of Homer, the author, speaking of the marriage of Jupiter and Juno, related by that poet, says: δοκειταυτααλληγορεισθαι, ὁτιἩραμεννοειταιὁαηρ-Ζευςδε, ὁαιθηρ· "It appears that these things are to be understood allegorically; for Juno means the air, Jupiter the aether." Plutarch, in his treatise De Iside et Osir., says: ὡσπερἙλληνεςΚρονοναλληγορουσιτονχρονον· "As the Greeks allegorize Cronos (Saturn) into Chronos (Time.)" It is well known how fond the Jews were of allegorizing. Every thing in the law was with them an allegory. Their Talmud is full of these; and one of their most sober and best educated writers, Philo, abounds with them. Speaking (De Migrat. Abrah., page 420) of the five daughters of Zelophehad, he says: ἁςαλληγορουντεςαισθησειςειναιφαμεν· "which, allegorizing, we assert to be the five senses!" It is very likely, therefore, that the allegory produced here, St. Paul had borrowed from the Jewish writings; and he brings it in to convict the Judaizing Galatians on their own principles; and neither he nor we have any thing farther to do with this allegory than as it applies to the subject for which it is quoted; nor does it give any license to those men of vain and superficial minds who endeavour to find out allegories in every portion of the sacred writings, and, by what they term spiritualizing, which is more properly carnalizing, have brought the testimonies of God into disgrace. May the spirit of silence be poured out upon all such corrupters of the word of God! For these are the two covenants] These signify two different systems of religion; the one by Moses, the other by the Messiah. The one from the Mount Sinai] On which the law was published; which was typified by Hagar, Abraham's bond maid. Which gendereth to bondage] For as the bond maid or slave could only gender-bring forth her children, in a state of slavery, and subject also to become slaves, so all that are born and live under those Mosaic institutions are born and live in a state of bondage-a bondage to various rites and ceremonies; under the obligation to keep the whole law, yet, from its severity and their frailness, obliged to live in the habitual breach of it, and in consequence exposed to the curse which it pronounces.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:24

24. which things are an allegory] Rather, ‘Now all these things may be regarded as an allegory’. The facts are historical, but they are types (1 Corinthians 10:11) calculated and intended to teach great spiritual truths, and they have their counterparts in the facts (equally historical) of the Gospel dispensation. We generally regard an allegory as a fictitious narrative. It may be so, as Bunyan’s Pilgrims’ Progress; but there is no indication in St Paul’s language that he dissented from the common belief among the Jews that the narrative in Genesis was historical[29]. [29] Dr Johnson defines an allegory as ‘a figurative discourse in which something other is intended than is contained in the words literally taken’. By the examples which he gives he seems to confound it with ‘a metaphor’.for these are the two covenants] Rather, ‘for these (women) are two covenants (or dispensations)’.the one from the mount Sinai] ‘one from Mount Sinai’. We should have expected, ‘and the other from Mount Sion, answering to the heavenly Jerusalem, bearing children into liberty, and this is Sara’; but the explanatory clauses which follow interrupt the construction, which is resumed in Galatians 4:26, ‘but Jerusalem which is above &c.’which gendereth to bondage] Better, bearing children into bondage.which is Agar] ‘and this is (typified by) Hagar’.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:24

Which things - The different accounts of Ishmael and Isaac. Are an allegory - May be regarded allegorically, or as illustrating great principles in regard to the condition of slaves and freemen; and

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:24

24. Which things—Not the Greek pronoun α, which, but ατινα, which sort of things. The Old Testament histories of this kind. Christian verity underlies the whole old dispensation.

Sermons on Galatians 4:24

	Sermon	Description
	If I Perish I Perish-01 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas	The sermon transcript discusses the concept of victorious living and spiritual experience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as a whole and not detaching any
	Midrash by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the characteristics of certain individuals in the church who are described as "twice-fed bachelors." These individuals were once dead in thei
	(Genesis) Genesis 16:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hagar and Sarah from the Bible. Hagar, who was Sarah's maid, fled from her mistress and encountered the angel of the Lord by a f
	(Covenant Series) 7. Freedom From the Yoke of Bondage by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about Jimmy Connors, a famous tennis player, who reads a news article about a man struggling with a mental breakdown. Connors decides to
	Satan's Plan to Destroy God's Overcomers by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of knowing God amidst the chaos of competing voices and distractions in our lives. He urges believers to seek a deep, personal relationship
	Hagar and Ishmael Cast Out by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores the profound implications of Abraham's decision to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, emphasizing that true faith requires the removal of anything that hinders our rel
	Homily 7 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the connection between sin, grief, and God's cure for humanity, highlighting the destructive nature of sin and the importance of mourning for sin alone.