Galatians 4:22

22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, ¹one by a slave woman and ²one by a free woman.

Galatians 4:22 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 4:22

For it is written
In ( Genesis 16:15 ) ( 21:9 )

that Abraham had two sons,
not two sons only; for besides the two referred to, he had six more, ( Genesis 25:2 ) but it being only pertinent to the apostle's purpose to take notice of these two, he mentions no more, though he does not deny that he had any more. These two sons were Ishmael and Isaac:

the one by a bondmaid.
Ishmael was by Hagar, Sarah's servant, who represented the covenant the Jewish nation was under the bondage of.

The other by a free woman.
Isaac was by Sarah, Abraham's proper and lawful wife, who was mistress of the family, and represented in figure the covenant, and Gospel church state, and all believers, Gentiles as well as Jews, as under the liberty thereof.

Galatians 4:22 In-Context

20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?

22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.

23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.

24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 16:5
• 2. Genesis 21:2