Galatians 4:29
What does Galatians 4:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:29 means
Paul notes a pattern: the one born “after the flesh” persecuted the one born “after the Spirit,” and so it remains. Those who rely on human effort often oppose those who live by promise. This alerts believers not to be surprised by hostility from legalistic systems. The conflict is not merely personal; it is principled—flesh versus Spirit, works-righteousness versus grace. The verse reframes current troubles in Galatia as part of an age-old story. The children of promise should expect resistance, yet they are not to yield their inheritance or freedom in response. God’s way, though opposed, remains the way of true sonship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted himthat was bornafter the Spirit, so also it is now.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted himthat was bornafter the Spirit, so also it is now.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But as in those days he who had birth after the flesh was cruel to him who had birth after the Spirit, even so it is now.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but as then he who was born according to the flesh did persecute him according to the spirit, so also now;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit: so also it is now.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But as then he that was born according to flesh persecuted him [that was born] according to Spirit, so also [it is] now.
Context
After asserting the believers’ identity as promise-children (v. 28), Paul acknowledges the reality of persecution, drawing from the biblical pattern. This prepares for the scriptural directive in verse 30 to “cast out the handmaid and her son,” signaling a necessary separation from legalistic bondage. The argument moves from identity, to conflict, to commanded resolution, leading to the chapter’s concluding affirmation of freedom (v. 31).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:9
Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.
- Genesis 21:9
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.
- Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
- Romans 8:13
for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
- Matthew 23:34
Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:
- Hebrews 10:33
partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.
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