Galatians 4:30

But what does the Scripture say? "Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son."

Study Bible

But what does the Scripture say?
This phrase introduces a direct appeal to the authority of Scripture, emphasizing its role as the ultimate guide and standard for Christian belief and practice. The Greek word for "Scripture" here is "γραφή" (graphē), which refers to the sacred writings of the Old Testament. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the continuity and unity of the Old and New Testaments, affirming that the teachings of the apostles are deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. This phrase invites believers to seek wisdom and direction from the Bible, highlighting its timeless relevance and divine inspiration.

Expel the slave woman and her son
This command references Genesis 21:10, where Sarah demands that Abraham send away Hagar and Ishmael. The Greek word for "expel" is "ἐκβάλλω" (ekballō), meaning to drive out or cast away. In the historical context, this was a decisive action to ensure the inheritance of Isaac, the child of promise. From a theological standpoint, Paul uses this allegory to illustrate the distinction between living under the law (represented by Hagar) and living under the promise of grace (represented by Sarah). The conservative interpretation emphasizes the necessity of separating from the old covenant of the law to fully embrace the new covenant of grace through faith in Christ.

for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son
This part of the verse highlights the concept of inheritance, a significant theme in both Jewish and Christian theology. The Greek word for "inheritance" is "κληρονομία" (klēronomia), which refers to the portion or heritage one receives. In the historical context, Ishmael, as the son of a slave, had no claim to the inheritance promised to Isaac, the son of the free woman, Sarah. Paul uses this to illustrate that those who rely on the law (symbolized by Hagar and Ishmael) cannot partake in the spiritual inheritance promised to those who are justified by faith (symbolized by Sarah and Isaac). This reinforces the conservative Christian belief in salvation by grace through faith, not by works of the law, and the assurance of eternal inheritance for believers in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia about the dangers of legalism and the importance of faith in Christ.

2. Hagar
The slave woman mentioned in the verse, mother of Ishmael, representing the old covenant of the law and bondage.

3. Sarah
The free woman, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, representing the new covenant of grace and freedom.

4. Ishmael
Son of Hagar, symbolizing those born according to the flesh and under the law.

5. Isaac
Son of Sarah, symbolizing those born according to the promise and under grace.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Allegory
Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory to illustrate the difference between living under the law (bondage) and living under grace (freedom). Believers are called to live as children of the promise, not under the bondage of the law.

Freedom in Christ
Just as Isaac was the child of promise, Christians are called to live in the freedom that comes through faith in Christ, not under the constraints of legalism.

Inheritance of the Believer
The inheritance promised to believers is not based on works or adherence to the law but on faith in Jesus Christ. This inheritance is eternal and secure.

Separation from Legalism
The command to "expel the slave woman and her son" serves as a metaphor for rejecting legalism and embracing the grace offered through Christ.

Living by the Spirit
As children of the promise, believers are encouraged to live by the Spirit, which leads to true freedom and fulfillment of God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Hagar and Sarah illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under grace?

2. In what ways can believers today find themselves living like "children of the slave woman" rather than "children of the free woman"?

3. How does understanding our identity as children of the promise impact our daily walk with Christ?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living in the freedom that Christ offers, rather than falling back into legalism?

5. How do the themes in Galatians 4:30 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 8:35-36 about freedom and sonship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21:10
This is the Old Testament reference Paul uses, where Sarah tells Abraham to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, emphasizing the separation between the children of the promise and the children of the flesh.

Romans 9:7-8
Paul discusses the children of the promise versus the children of the flesh, reinforcing the idea that true descendants of Abraham are those of faith.

John 8:35-36
Jesus speaks about the difference between a slave and a son, highlighting the freedom that comes through the Son, which aligns with the theme of freedom in Christ.