Galatians 4:27
What does Galatians 4:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:27 means
Paul cites Scripture: the barren woman is called to rejoice, for she will have more children than the married one. This prophecy celebrates God’s power to give life where nature cannot. Applied here, it affirms that the covenant of promise—once seemingly desolate—would overflow with children, surpassing expectations tied to the Law. The gospel’s fruitfulness among the nations fulfills this vision. The verse assures the Galatians that their inclusion is not an afterthought but foretold abundance. It invites joy in grace’s surprising success, where human ability fails but God’s promise prevails, proving that freedom, not bondage, is the path to true increase.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For it is in the Writings, You who have never given birth, be glad; give cries of joy, you who have had no birth-pains; for the children of her who has been given up by her husband are more than those of the woman who has a husband.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it hath been written, `Rejoice, O barren, who art not bearing; break forth and cry, thou who art not travailing, because many <FI>are<Fi> the children of the desolate--more than of her having the husband.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it is written: Rejoice, thou barren, that bearest not: break forth and cry thou that travailest not: for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break out and cry, thou that travailest not; because the children of the desolate are more numerous than [those] of her that has a husband.
Context
This quotation follows the contrast between present Jerusalem (bondage) and the Jerusalem above (freedom). Verse 27 supports the claim that the freewoman will be exceedingly fruitful. It prepares for verse 28, where Paul applies the imagery directly: believers are like Isaac, children of promise. The sequence strengthens the argument that God’s plan centers on promise and grace, not on the Law’s lineage or performance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ruth 4:14
And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be Jehovah, who hath not left thee this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.
- 2 Samuel 13:20
And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but now hold thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; take not this thing to heart. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.
- Isaiah 49:21
Then shalt thou say in thy heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they?
- Ruth 1:11
And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
- 1 Samuel 2:5
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; And they that were hungry have ceasedto hunger: Yea, the barren hath borne seven; And she that hath many children languisheth.
- Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah.
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