Galatians 4:21
What does Galatians 4:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:21 means
Paul addresses those eager to be under the Law and asks if they truly hear what the Law says. He invites them to consider the Law’s own testimony, which, rightly understood, does not support their legalism. To appeal to the Law is not to endorse bondage; rather, the Law itself points beyond itself to promise and freedom. This verse reframes the debate: Scripture, not human tradition, must decide. Paul prepares to use the story of Abraham’s two sons to show that inheritance comes by promise, not by fleshly effort, undercutting the Judaizers’ claim to be the true heirs of the Law by works.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Say, you whose desire it is to be under the law, do you not give ear to the law?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Tell me, ye who are willing to be under law, the law do ye not hear?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, have you not read the law?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Tell me, ye who are desirous of being under law, do ye not listen to the law?
Context
Transitioning from personal appeal, Paul challenges the Galatians on their own ground—the Law. Verse 21 introduces an argument from Scripture that will span to the chapter’s end. The following verses (22–24) recall Abraham’s two sons and identify them as representing two covenants, setting up a contrast between bondage and freedom. This approach speaks especially to those swayed by Judaizers, aiming to show that the Law’s narrative supports the gospel of grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:34
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
- John 15:25
But this cometh to pass, that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
- Romans 10:3
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
- Romans 9:30
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:
- Matthew 21:42
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvellous in our eyes?
- Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.
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