Bible Commentary

For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 25. The reading, the construction and the meaning of the first clause of this verse are uncertain, and have afforded matter for considerable discussion. The genuineness of the word ‘Hagar’ is doubtful. If … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:25”

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. 24. which things are an allegory ] Rather, ‘Now all these things may be regarded as an allegory’. The facts are historical, but they are types (1Co 10:11) calculated and intended … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:24”

But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh – In the ordinary course of nature, without any special promise, or any unusual divine interposition, as in the case of Isaac. But … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:23”

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 22. it is written ] This is not a quotation of any particular passage. ‘It is recorded in Scripture’. a bondmaid ] Lit. ‘ the bondmaid’, Hagar; so ‘ the free woman’, Sarah. Hagar was an … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:22”

Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 21 31. The Allegory of the two Covenants, pointing to liberty only in Christ 21. The final argument is an appeal to Scripture, to that very law to which the Galatians were desiring to subject themselves. If they would … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:21”

I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 20. I desire ] Rather, “But, speaking of being present, I could wish to be present with you now”. The ‘but’ which is not expressed in the A.V. connects this verse with Gal 4:18 in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:20”

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 19. In the preceding verse the metaphor seems to be taken from the affection of husband and wife (see 1Co 11:2-3). Now it is changed to that from a mother in travail. My little children ] A form of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:19”

But [it is] good to be zealously affected always in [a] good [thing,] and not only when I am present with you. But it is good to be, zealously affected – The meaning of this is, Understand me: I do not speak against zeal. I have not a word to say in its disparagement. In … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:18”

They zealously affect you, [but] not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. 17, 18. In contrast to the simplicity of his own teaching, St Paul exposes the party spirit by which the false teachers were actuated. They zealously affect you ] The sentence is abrupt, no persons being named; though … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:17”

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? 16. Am I therefore ] ‘So that I am become truth?’ The tone of the sentence is interrogative, rather than the form. I tell you the truth ] The reference is probably to the second visit to Galatia, when the Judaizers had begun … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 4:16”