Galatians 4:25

Galatians 4:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.

King James Version KJV

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

American Standard Version ASV

Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now this Hagar is the mountain Sinai in Arabia, and is the image of the Jerusalem which now is: which is a servant with her children.

Free Bible Version FBV

Hagar symbolizes Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the current Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

(For Agar or Sina is a mountaine in Arabia, and it answereth to Hierusalem which nowe is) and she is in bondage with her children.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and doth correspond to the Jerusalem that now [is], and is in servitude with her children,

World English Bible WEB

For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Translation for Translators T4T

Also, the word ‘Hagar’ is associated with Sinai Mountain, which is in Arabia land. Hagar, the female slave, also represents Jerusalem as it is today. Jerusalem is like [MET] a slave mother, and those who live there [PRS] are like her slave children [MET] because they all must obey the laws that God gave to Moses.

Plain English Version PEV

Hagar is a picture of the big hill called Sinai in Arabia country, and she is like the city here on earth called Jerusalem, where people have to follow that Jewish law. That city and its people are like prisoners that have to work all the time. They are not free.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 4:25

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Galatians 4:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK το γαρ αγαρ σινα ορος εστιν εν τη αραβια συστοιχει δε τη νυν ιερουσαλημ δουλευει δε μετα των τεκνων αυτης

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

αγαρ Agar G28 Hagar Noun-PRI

σινα Sina G4614 (Mount) Sinai Noun-PRI

ορος oros G3735 mountain Noun-NSN

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

αραβια Arabia G688 Arabia Noun-DSF

συστοιχει sustoicheō G4960 to correspond to Verb-PAI-3S

δε de G1161 then Conj

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

νυν nun G3568 now Adv

ιερουσαλημ Hierousalēm G2419 Jerusalem Noun-PRI

δουλευει douleuō G1398 be a slave Verb-PAI-3S

δε de G1161 then Conj

μετα meta G3326 with/after Prep

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPN

τεκνων teknon G5043 child Noun-GPN

αυτης autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSF

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Galatians 4:25

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

αγαρ Agar G28 "Hagar" Noun-PRI

Hagar was a servant who became the concubine of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, as told in Genesis 16 and mentioned in Galatians 4:24,25.

Definition: Ἅγαρ (Rec. Ἄ-), ἡ, indecl. (in FlJ, Ἀγάρα, -ης, Heb. הָגָר), Hagar (Gen.16): Gal.4:24,25.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Hagar See also: Galatians 4:24; Galatians 4:25.

σινα Sina G4614 "(Mount) Sinai" Noun-PRI

Sinai refers to a mountain in Arabia where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, as described in Exodus and Acts. It is also mentioned in Galatians.

Definition: Σινά (-ᾶ, Rec.), indecl. (but τὸ Σιναῖον, FlJ, Ant., iii, 5, 1; τὸ Σιναῖον ὄρος, ib. ii, 12, 1), τό (Heb. סִינַי), Sinai (Exo.19:11, al.): Act.7:30, 38, Gal.4:24-25† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: Sina See also: Acts 7:30; Galatians 4:24; Galatians 4:25.

ορος oros G3735 "mountain" Noun-NSN

This word means a mountain, a high elevation of land, as mentioned in Matthew 4:8 and Mark 9:2. It is often used in the New Testament to describe a specific location or setting. The word is also used to symbolize a place of spiritual significance.

Definition: ὄρος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly, and very freq., for הַר ;] a mountain: Mat.4:8 17:1, Mrk.9:2, Jhn.4:20, 2Pe.1:18, al.; opposite to βουνός, Luk.3:5 (LXX); ὄ. τ. ἐλαιῶν, Mat.21:1 24:3, al. (see: ἐ.); ὄ. Σιών (Σ., prob. in gem appos.), Heb.12:22, Rev.14:1; ὄ. Σινά, Act.7:30, 38 Gal.4:24-25; τὸ ὄ., of the hill district as distinct from the lowlands, esp. the hills above the Sea of Galilee, Mat.5:1 8:1, Mrk.3:13 6:46, al.; τὰ ὄ., Mat.18:12, Mrk.5:5, Heb.11:38, Rev.6:14, al.; proverbially (cf. Rabbinic, הדים עקר), of overcoming difficulties, accomplishing marvels, ὄρη μεθιστάνειν, 1Co.13:2, cf. Mat.17:20 21:21, Mrk.11:23 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 65 NT verses. KJV: hill, mount(-ain) See also: 1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 5:11; Hebrews 8:5.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αραβια Arabia G688 "Arabia" Noun-DSF

This refers to the region of Arabia in Asia, mentioned in the Bible as a place of significance.

Definition: Arabia , (Herdotus Historicus), poetry Ἀρραβία, (Theocritus Poeta Bucolicus) (ML)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Arabia See also: Galatians 1:17; Galatians 4:25.

συστοιχει sustoicheō G4960 "to correspond to" Verb-PAI-3S

To correspond to means to match or be in line with something, like soldiers standing in formation, as seen in Galatians 4:25. This concept is about being in agreement or harmony. It is translated as 'answer to' in the KJV.

Definition: συν-στοιχέω (Rec. συσ-), -ῶ, to stand in the same rank or line (Polyb). Metaphorical, to correspond to: Gal.4:25 (see Lft., in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: answer to See also: Galatians 4:25.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

νυν nun G3568 "now" Adv

Now refers to the present time, as in John 4:18 and Romans 13:11. It's used to emphasize a current situation or action.

Definition: νῦν, adv., [in LXX chiefly for עַתָּה ;] __1. prop., of time, now, i.e. at the present time: as opposite to past, Jhn.4:18, Act.7:52, Rom.13:11, 2Co.7:9, Col.1:24, al.; opposite to fut., Jhn.12:27, Rom.11:31, al.; with art., ὁ (ἡ, τὸ) and subst., the present: Rom.3:26, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:17, Tit.2:12, al.; απὸ τοῦ ν. (LXX for מֵעַתָּה), Luk.1:48, Act.18:6, al.; ἄχρι τοῦ ν., Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἕως τοῦ ν. (LXX for עַד עַתָּה), Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19; τὰ ν., as regards the present, Act.5:38; with pret., just now, but now, Mat.26:65, Jhn.11:8 21:10; with fut., now, presently, Jhn.12:31, Act.20:22; so with praes., presently, forthwith, Jhn.12:31 17:13; καὶ ν., Jhn.11:22 17:5, al.; ἀλλὰ ν., Luk.22:36; ἔτι ν., 1Co.3:2; τότε (πότε) . . . ν. (δέ), Rom.6:21 11:30; ν. ἤδη, 1Jn.4:3; ν. οὖν, Act.10:33, al. __2. Of logical sequence (often difficult to disting. from the temporal sense; cf. Lft., Notes, 113f.), now, therefore, now, however, as it is: Luk.11:39; καὶ ν., Act.3:17, 2Th.2:6, 1Jn.2:28; id. before δεῦρο, Act.7:34; ν. δέ, Jhn.8:40 9:41 15:22, 24, 18:36, 1Co.5:11 7:14 12:20, al. (cf. WM, 579.11). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 139 NT verses. KJV: henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

ιερουσαλημ Hierousalēm G2419 "Jerusalem" Noun-PRI

Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, an important city in the Bible. It's mentioned in Matthew 2:3 and many other places, often as a center of worship and faith.

Definition: Ἱερουσαλήμ, see: Ἱεροσόλυμα - (WH, Ἰερ-, see Intr., § 408), -ων, τά (on πᾶσα Ἱ., Mat.2:3, see WM, 794; M, Pr., 48, 244; Thayer, see word), and Ἱερουσαλήμ (WH, Ἰερ-), ἡ., indecl., as always in LXX exc. some parts of Apocr.. (Heb. יְרוּשָׁלִַם), the former always in FlJ, Mk, Jo EV. and Mt (except. Mat.27:37), and most frequently in Lk, the latter always in He, Re, and by St. Paul (except. Gal.1:17-18 2:1), Jerusalem: Mat.2:1, Mrk.3:8, Jhn.1:19, al.; its inhabitants, Mat.2:3 3:5 23:37, Luk.13:34, Symbolically, ἡ- ἄνω Ἱ., Gal.4:26, contrasted with ἡ νῦν Ἱ., Gal.4:25; Ἱ. ἐπουράνιος, Heb.12:22; ἡ καινὴ Ἱ., Rev.3:12 21:2, 10 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: Jerusalem See also: 1 Corinthians 16:3; Acts 25:20; Hebrews 12:22.

δουλευει douleuō G1398 "be a slave" Verb-PAI-3S

To be a slave means to serve or be subject to someone or something, as seen in Matthew 6:24 and Romans 7:6. It can be voluntary or involuntary, like serving God or being a slave to sin.

Definition: δουλεύω (δοῦλος), [in LXX for עָבַד, as Gen.14:4, exc. Da TH Dan.7:14, 27 (פְּלַח), Isa.56:6 (שָׁרַת pi.)* ;] to be a slave, be subject to, serve: absol., Rom.7:6, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:2; with dative of person(s), Mat.6:24, Luk.15:29 16:13, Rom.9:12" (LXX) ; of nations, Jhn.8:33, Act.7:7" (LXX) ; θεῷ, τ. κυρίῳ, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, Act.20:19, Rom.12:11 (R, mg., καιρῷ) Rom.16:18, Eph.6:7, Col.3:24, 1Th.1:9; τ. Χριστῷ, Rom.14:18, Col.3:24; νόμῳ θεοῦ, Rom.7:25; τ. θεοῖς, Gal.4:8; τ. καιρῷ, Rom.12:11 (R, mg. for κυρίῳ); ἀλλήλοις, Gal.5:13; σὺν ἐμοί Php.2:22; τ. ἁμαρτίᾳ, Rom.6:6; νόμῳ ἁμαρτίας, Rom.7:25; ἐπιθυμίαις κ. ἡδοναις, Tit.3:3; τ. κοιλία, Rom.16:18; μαμωνᾷ, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13; τ. στοιχείοις τ, κόσμου, Gal.4:9 (Cremer, 217).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: be in bondage, (do) serve(-ice) See also: 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Luke 15:29; Romans 6:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

μετα meta G3326 "with/after" Prep

Means with or after, showing accompaniment, as in being among a group or following someone, like Jesus with his disciples in Mark 1:13. It can also show cause and effect. The KJV translates it as after, among, or with. It is used in many New Testament books, including Matthew and Luke.

Definition: μετά (before vowel μετ᾽; on the neglect of elision in certain cases, V. WH, App., 146 b), prep. with genitive, accusative (in poet, also with dative), [in LXX for אַחַד ,עִם ,אֵת, etc.]. __I. C. genitive, __1. among, amid: Mrk.1:13, Luk.22:37 (LXX, ἐν) 24:5, Jhn.18:5, al.; διωγμῶν, Mrk.10:30. __2. Of association and companionship, with (in which sense it gradually superseded σύν, than which it is much more frequently in NT; cf. Bl., §42, 3): with genitive of person(s), Mat.8:11 20:20 Mrk.1:29 3:7 Luk.5:30, Jhn.3:22, Gal.2:1, al. mult.; εἶναι μετά, Mat.5:25, Mrk.3:14, al.; metaphorically, of divine help and guidance, Jhn.3:2, Act.7:9, Php.4:9, al.; opposite to εἶναι κατά, Mat.12:30, Luk.11:23; in Hellenistic usage (but see M, Pr., 106, 246f.), πολεμεῖν μετά = cl. π., with dative, to wage war against (so LXX for נִלְחַם עִם, 1Ki.17:33), Rev.2:16, al.; with genitive of thing(s), χαρᾶς, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16, al.; ὀργῆς, Mrk.3:5, al. __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, behind, after: Heb.9:3. __2. Of time, after: Mat.17:1, Mrk.14:1, Luk.1:24, Act.1:5, Gal.1:18, al.; μετὰ τοῦτο, Jhn.2:12, al.; ταῦτα, Mrk.16:[12], Luk.5:27, Jhn.3:22, al; with inf. artic. (BL, §71, 5; 72, 3), Mat.26:32, Mrk.1:14, al. __III. In composition, __1. of association or community: μεταδίδωμι, μετέχω, etc. __2. Exchange or transference: μεταλλάσσω, μετοικίζω, etc. __3. after: μεταμέλομαι. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 444 NT verses. KJV: after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:6; Acts 25:12; 1 Peter 1:11.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τεκνων teknon G5043 "child" Noun-GPN

This word means a child, either male or female, born to parents, as mentioned in Matthew 7:11 and Romans 9:8.

Definition: τέκνον, -ου, τό (τίκτω), [in LXX chiefly for בֵּן, also for יֶלֶד, etc. ;] that which is begotten, born (cf. Scottish bairn), a child of either sex: Mrk.13:12, Luk.1:7, Act.7:5; pl., Mat.7:11, Mrk.7:27, Luk.1:17, Eph.6:1, al.; τέκνα ἐπαγγελίας, Rom.9:8; τ. τῆς σαρκός, ib.; in a wider sense (as Heb. בָּנִים), of posterity, Mat.2:18, Luk.3:8, al.; specif., of a male child, Mat.21:28, Act.21:21, a,l.; in voc. as a form of kindly address from an elder to a junior or from a teacher to a disciple, Mat.9:2 21:28, Mrk.2:5, Luk.2:48; τ. μου (= cl. τ. μοι; see Bl., §37, 5), Gal.4:19 (τεκνία, WH, txt.), 2Ti.2:1. Metaphorical, __(a) of disciples (apart from direct address, see supr.): Phm 10, 1Ti.1:2, Tit.1:4, 3Jo.4; __(b) with reference to the Fatherhood of God (see: πατήρ, γεννάω), τέκνα τ. θεοῦ (cf. Isa.30:1, Wis.16:21): Rom.8:16, Eph.5:1, Php.2:15; and esp. in Johannine bks. (cf. Westc, Epp. Jo., 94, 120), Jhn.1:12, 1Jn.3:1 al.; __(with) of those who imitate others and are therefore regarded as the spiritual offspring of their exemplars: Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, Jhn.8:39, Rom.9:7, 1Pe.3:6; τ. διαβόλου, 1Jn.3:10; __(d) as in Heb. (LXX, Jol.2:23, Psa.149:2, 1Ma.1:38), of the inhabitants of a city: Mat.23:37, Luk.13:34 19:44, Gal.4:25; __(e) with an adjectival genitive, frequently rendering a Heb. expression, adopted from LXX or formed on the analogy of its language, but sometimes with parallels in Gk. writers (see Deiss., BS, 161ff.): τέκνα φωτός, Eph.5:8; τ. ὑπακοῆς, 1Pe.1:14; κατάρας, 2Pe.2:14; ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3. SYN.: see: παῖς. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: child, daughter, son See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 1:14.

αυτης autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSF

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Galatians 4:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Galatians 4:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:25
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:25
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:25
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:25
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:25
Sermons on Galatians 4:25

Context — Hagar and Sarah

23His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. 24These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar.

25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.

26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 19:44	They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ”
2	Acts 1:11	“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
3	Galatians 1:17	nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
4	Matthew 23:37	O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
5	Hebrews 12:18	For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
6	Psalms 68:17	The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.
7	Psalms 68:8	the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
8	Luke 13:34	O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
9	Deuteronomy 33:2	He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.
10	Judges 5:5	The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel.

Galatians 4:25 Summary

Galatians 4:25 tells us that Hagar represents Mount Sinai and the present-day Jerusalem, which is in slavery with her children. This means that the old covenant, which was given to the Israelites, led to slavery and bondage, as seen in Romans 3:20. But through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience the freedom and promise of the new covenant, as seen in Romans 8:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 3:17. By trusting in Christ, we can be set free from the slavery of sin and live as children of the heavenly Jerusalem, which is our true mother (Galatians 4:26).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hagar represent in Galatians 4:25?

Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and the present-day Jerusalem, which is in slavery with her children, as seen in the contrast between the two covenants in Galatians 4:24 and the promise of freedom in Galatians 4:26.

What is the significance of Mount Sinai in this context?

Mount Sinai represents the old covenant, which was given to the Israelites and led to slavery, as opposed to the new covenant of promise and freedom in Christ, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13.

How does the present-day Jerusalem relate to Hagar and Mount Sinai?

The present-day Jerusalem, which is in slavery with her children, represents the old covenant and the earthly city, as opposed to the heavenly Jerusalem, which is free and the mother of all believers, as seen in Galatians 4:26 and Hebrews 12:22-24.

What is the main idea of Galatians 4:25?

The main idea of Galatians 4:25 is to contrast the old covenant of slavery, represented by Hagar and Mount Sinai, with the new covenant of freedom and promise, as seen in the contrast between Hagar and the heavenly Jerusalem in Galatians 4:26.

Reflection Questions

How do I know if I am living under the old covenant of slavery or the new covenant of freedom in Christ?
What are some ways that I can experience the freedom of the new covenant in my daily life, as promised in 2 Corinthians 3:17?
How does the contrast between Hagar and the heavenly Jerusalem in Galatians 4:25-26 relate to my own spiritual journey and growth in Christ?
What are some practical ways that I can apply the truth of Galatians 4:25 to my relationships and interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 6:5-9?

Gill's Exposition on Galatians 4:25

For this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia,.... The Arabic version, instead of Arabia, reads "Balca".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 4:25

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 4:25

Agar, the bondwoman, fitly represented Mount Sinai, the mountain in Arabia, from which the law was given: and Jerusalem which now is answereth to Mount Sinai; for as in Mount Sinai the law was given in a terrible manner, so now Jerusalem is the seat of the scribes and Pharisees, who are the doctors of that law, and rigidly press the observation of it, by which the Jews are kept in bondage. The apostle speaketh not here of the civil servitude that the Jews were in under the Romans, to whom they were now tributaries, but of that religious servitude in which the scribes and Pharisees kept them to their legal services.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 4:25

25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. Ver. 25. For this Agar is mount] The Arabians call Mount Sinai, Agar. Twice Hagar fled thither, Genesis 16:7; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 21:14, it being in her way home to Egypt. From her the Arabians are called Hagarenes, and since (for more honour’ sake) Saracens, of Sarah, Hagar’ s mistress. Answereth to Jerusalem] That is, to the Jewish synagogue, born to bondage, as Tiberius said of the Romans, that they were homines ad servitutem parati. men prepared for slavery.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 4:25

(25) For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia.—This clause will be, perhaps, best dealt with in an excursus, of which we will at present merely summarise the result by saying that the true (or, rather, most probable) reading appears to be: Now this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; and the sense: “By the word Hagar is meant Mount Sinai in Arabia.” There appears to be sufficient evidence to show that Hagar may be regarded as the Arabic name for Sinai, so that there would be a special reason for identifying Hagar allegorically with the old covenant. For a fuller discussion see Excursus B (p. 467). Answereth to Jerusalem which now is.—The word for “answereth” is a technical term in philosophy, applied to the parallel columns containing such antithetical pairs as good—evil; one—many; finite—infinite, &c. Here it will be illustrated by the parallel arrangement of the different points of the allegory given above. “Answereth to” will thus mean “stands in the same column with.” Hagar, Sinai, the old covenant, the Jewish nation, or the earthly Jerusalem, all stand upon the same side of the antithesis. They are arranged one above another, or, in other words, they rank in the same line, which is the primitive meaning of the word. Jerusalem which now is.—The present Jerusalem—i.e., the Jewish people still subject to the Law. It is opposed to “Jerusalem which is above,” as the pre-Messianic to the Messianic system. And is in bondage with her children.—The true reading is, for she is in bondage with her children. Jerusalem is, as it were, personified, so that “with her Children” means “all who are dependent upon her”—the Jewish system and all who belong to it. B: ON THE PASSAGE (Galatians 4:25), “FOR THIS AGAR IS MOUNT SINAI IN ARABIA.”The words “For this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia” present difficulties which seem to need a somewhat longer and more technical discussion than could properly be given to them in the body of the Commentary, and it has seemed the more desirable to devote to them a short excursus, as the view taken is one that, in this instance, diverges from that adopted by more than one of the best authorities, and conspicuously by Dr. Lightfoot. The first question is one of reading. The words appear in no less than four different forms. Two of these, however, may be set aside at once. For the two that remain the authorities are nearly equally balanced. The simple reading “For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia” has in its favour the Sinaitic MS.; the Codex Ephraem; the Codex Augiensis, in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge; and another Dresden MS., which usually agrees with it, and seems to have been derived from the same copy; a good—perhaps the best—cursive; quotations in Origen and Epiphanius; and the Latin authorities generally.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 4:25

Verse 25. For this Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia] ΤογαρΑγαρΣιναοροςεστινεντηΑραβια. This is the common reading; but it is read differently in some of the most respectable MSS., versions, and fathers; thus: τογαρΣιναοροςεστινεντῃΑραβια, for this Sinai is a mountain of Arabia; the word Αγαρ, Agar, being omitted. This reading is supported by CFG, some others, the AEthiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and one copy of the Itala; by Epiphanius, Damascenus, Ambrosiaster, Jerome, Augustine, Hilary, Sedulius, and Bede; and the word is sometimes, though not always, omitted by Cyril and Origen, which proves that in their time there were doubts concerning the common reading. Of the word Agar in this verse, which renders the passage very obscure and difficult, Professor White says, forsitan delendum, "probably it should be expunged." Griesbach has left it in the text with a note of doubtfulness. Answereth to Jerusalem] Hagar, the bond maid, bringing forth children in a state of slavery, answereth to Jerusalem that now is, συστοιχει, points out, or, bears a similitude to, Jerusalem in her present state of subjection; which, with her children-her citizens, is not only in bondage to the Romans, but in a worse bondage to the law, to its oppressive ordinances, and to the heavy curse which it has pronounced against all those who do not keep them.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 4:25

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 it is retained, the sense will be, ‘For (or, as some copies read, ‘now’) this term Hagar is the name by which Mount Sinai is called in Arabia’, it therefore represents Mount Sinai, which is in Arabia, the country to which Hagar fled and which her descendants inhabit. ‘The word Hagar in Arabic means “a rock”, and some authorities tell us that Mount Sinai is so called by the Arabs’. Conybeare and Howson. But it is better to omit it, and the sense will then be, ‘For Mount Sinai is in Arabia’, the country of Ishmael’s descendants, the offspring of the bondwoman. In any case the clause is parenthetical, and the following words refer to Hagar in the preceding verse:—‘and this is Hagar (for Mount Sinai is situated in Arabia—the country of the Ishmaelites) and it (the covenant) corresponds to Jerusalem &c.’and answereth] ‘belongs to the same row or category, corresponds to’, see note Galatians 4:22.Jerusalem which now is] Here, from the addition of the phrase ‘with her children’ (comp. Matthew 23:37), it is evident that Jerusalem stands for the whole Jewish people, nationally considered. It is contrasted not, as might have been expected, with ‘Jerusalem which shall be’, but with ‘Jerusalem which is from above’; but the antithesis is not weakened. The Heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:2) is the same as the ‘new Jerusalem’ (Revelation 21:2) of the prophetic vision, which is even now the city and the home of every true believer (Philippians 3:20). It is in heaven (or above) until the number of God’s elect shall be accomplished, and then it will ‘come down from God out of heaven’, not like a bondwoman and an outcast, but ‘as a bride adorned for her husband’.and is in bondage] The reference is probably to the legal bondage to which every Jew, as such, was subject. But Jerusalem was at this time literally a conquered city, subject to the Imperial power of Rome.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 4:25

For this Agar is Mount Sinai - This Hagar well represents the Law given on Mount Sinai. No one can believe that Paul meant to say that Hagar was literally Mount Sinai.

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 4:25

25. For—To give proof of this correspondence. This Agar—The this is the Greek article in the neuter gender, and can agree with Hagar only as a thing; that is, as an element or factor in this allegory. Is—Represents.

Sermons on Galatians 4:25

	Sermon	Description
	The Credentials of True Ministry by George Warnock	George Warnock preaches about the significance of carrying the ark of God on the shoulders of anointed men, emphasizing the importance of walking in God's anointing and not delegat
	The Principle of Resurrection by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the principle of resurrection as a vital aspect of God's work, illustrated through the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah. He draws parallels
	K-472 Walking in the Rest of God by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares his recent experiences in Europe and how they were influenced by a vision he had years ago. He emphasizes that just because God gives a vision, i
	Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca
	Holy Spirit Awakening by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Acts 2 and the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of not missing out
	Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Luke 19:28-44 by David Servant	David Servant preaches about Jesus' dramatic entrance into Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecies and displaying His divine knowledge and authority. Despite the people's expectat
	Time of God's Coming by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of recognizing the times of God's visitation, warning of disastrous consequences for individuals, nations, and churches that fail to do so. He