Galatians 4:31
What does Galatians 4:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:31 means
Paul wraps up: believers are not children of a handmaid but of the freewoman. This is a summary identity statement. In Christ, they belong to the covenant of promise, characterized by freedom, not servility. The conclusion gathers the argument’s threads—heirship, adoption, the Spirit’s witness, and the allegory—and seals them as their true status. It calls them to live consistently with who they are, refusing any teaching that would reimpose slavery. The verse is both assurance and admonition: assurance that they belong to the free family of God, admonition to stand firm in that liberty rather than drift back into the bondage they have been delivered from.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, brothers, we are not children of the servant-woman, but of the free woman.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then, brethren, we are not a maid-servant's children, but the free-woman's.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So then, brethren, we are not maid servant's children, but [children] of the free woman.
Context
This final verse draws together the allegory’s force and the chapter’s theme. After the command to cast out the slave line (v. 30), verse 31 succinctly states the believers’ family identity. It sets the stage for the next chapter’s exhortation to stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made them free. The flow moves from theological demonstration to practical summons, completing Paul’s pastoral and doctrinal appeal in this section.
v.30Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.
v.31This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 5:13
For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.
- John 8:36
If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
- 1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
- Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
- John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:
- Hebrews 2:14
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
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.