Galatians 4:22

22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave-girl and one by the 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 Would that I were with you and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

21 Tell me--you who want to continue to be subject to Law--will you not listen to the Law?

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

23 But we see that the child of the slave-girl was born in the common course of nature; but the child of the free woman in fulfilment of the promise.

24 All this is allegorical; for the women represent two Covenants. One has its origin on Mount Sinai, and bears children destined for slavery.