Galatians 4:22
What does Galatians 4:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:22 means
Paul recalls that Abraham had two sons: one by the handmaid and one by the freewoman. This simple historical fact will anchor his allegory. The sons share the same father but differ in mothers and thus in status. Paul’s point is to prepare a contrast: lineage from Abraham does not automatically define one’s place in God’s promise. The differing mothers foreshadow differing principles—servitude versus freedom. By invoking this well-known account, he invites the Galatians to see that Scripture itself contains a built-in contrast that does not favor those who rest their confidence on fleshly descent or legal status.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because it is in the Writings, that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant-woman, and one by the free woman.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it hath been written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the maid-servant, and one by the free-woman,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman and the other by a free woman.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For it is written that Abraham had two sons; one of the maid servant, and one of the free woman.
Context
Having asked them to hear the Law (v. 21), Paul begins with the Abraham narrative. Verse 22 states the basic facts needed for his argument. Next, verse 23 will explain the difference in how these sons were born—after the flesh versus through promise—setting up verse 24’s allegory of two covenants. The flow carefully moves from history to theological meaning, ensuring the reader follows the logic.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 16:15
And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.
- Genesis 21:10
Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
- Genesis 16:2
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
- Genesis 21:1
And Jehovah visited Sarah as he had said, and Jehovah did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Galatians 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Galatians 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Father
Understanding God as our Heavenly Father reveals His loving, protective, and provisionary nature toward His children.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Virgin Birth
The virgin birth of Jesus is a foundational doctrine, demonstrating God's power and the unique nature of Christ's incarnation.