Galatians 4:23 Meaning and Explanation
“But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The son of the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman through promise.
What Does Galatians 4:23 Mean?
Paul marks the contrast between the two sons. Ishmael, the slave woman's son, was born in the ordinary way of human effort, the result of an attempt to secure the promise by natural means. He came according to the flesh.
Isaac, the free woman's son, was born through promise — given by God against all natural odds, the fruit of divine pledge rather than human striving. The difference between flesh and promise runs through the whole story, and it mirrors the difference between law and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galatians 4:23
What does Galatians 4:23 mean?
The son of the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman through promise.