Galatians 4:24 – “These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul explains that the story of Abraham’s two sons—Ishmael and Isaac—is more than just a historical event. It serves as an illustration of two spiritual realities. He specifically says that these things are to be taken figuratively, meaning they symbolize something greater.

Paul explains that the two women in the story, Hagar and Sarah, represent two different covenants—two ways of relating to God:

1. Hagar represents the covenant of the law – She corresponds to Mount Sinai, where God gave the law to Moses. This covenant is one of slavery because it requires people to obey the law perfectly in order to be right with God. Those who rely on the law for salvation are like Ishmael, the child born through human effort.
2. Sarah represents the covenant of grace – Though not mentioned directly in this verse, Paul will soon explain that Sarah represents the new covenant, which is based on God’s promise, not human effort. Those who trust in God’s grace are like Isaac, the child born through God’s miraculous power.

Paul is telling the Galatians that by trying to follow the law to be saved, they are choosing slavery instead of the freedom of God’s promise.

Historical Context

The Judaizers, false teachers who had come to the Galatian churches, were telling Gentile believers that faith in Jesus was not enough—they also needed to follow Jewish laws, especially circumcision, to be fully accepted by God.

Paul strongly opposes this teaching. He reminds the Galatians that they must choose between two ways of relating to God:

• The old covenant of the law, which demands perfect obedience but only leads to slavery and condemnation.
• The new covenant of grace, which brings freedom through faith in Christ.

By referring to Mount Sinai, Paul is directly linking the law with slavery. The law, given at Sinai, showed people their sin but could never set them free from it. Paul’s warning is clear: going back to the law means going back to slavery.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some deep truths about salvation and our relationship with God:

1. The law cannot save—it only reveals sin. The old covenant, represented by Hagar and Mount Sinai, places people under a burden they can never fully carry (Romans 3:20).
2. Salvation is through faith, not works. The new covenant, represented by Sarah, is based on God’s promise, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Legalism leads to spiritual slavery. Just as Hagar’s descendants were born into slavery, those who rely on the law instead of grace are enslaving themselves to a system that can never bring freedom.
4. God’s promises are fulfilled by His power, not by human effort. Isaac’s birth was a miracle, reminding us that salvation comes only through God’s work, not through our own striving (Galatians 3:18).

Literary Analysis

Paul is using allegory, a literary technique where real historical events are used to represent deeper spiritual truths.

• Hagar represents Mount Sinai and slavery – This symbolizes the law, which cannot bring freedom.
• Sarah represents grace and freedom – This symbolizes God’s promise, fulfilled through faith.

By structuring his argument this way, Paul makes it clear that there are only two choices: slavery or freedom, law or grace, works or faith. There is no middle ground.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 19:3-6 – The covenant at Mount Sinai, where the law was given.
• Romans 8:15 – Believers are not slaves but children of God.
• 2 Corinthians 3:6 – The old covenant brings death, but the new covenant brings life through the Spirit.
• Hebrews 8:6-13 – The new covenant is better than the old because it is based on grace, not law.
• John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Paul’s warning to the Galatians is still relevant today. Many people, even in churches, fall into the trap of legalism—thinking that their obedience to rules and traditions makes them right with God. But this verse reminds us that trying to earn God’s favor through human effort is slavery.

This does not mean that God’s laws are bad. The law teaches us what is right and wrong. But the law cannot save us—only Jesus can do that.

• Are you trusting in rules or in Jesus? Some people believe they must keep religious rituals, say the right prayers, or follow church traditions to be accepted by God. But salvation is a free gift of grace.
• Are you living in freedom or in slavery? If your faith feels like a heavy burden, it may be because you are relying on works instead of grace. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).
• Are you a child of promise? Isaac did not earn his place in Abraham’s family—he was born into it. In the same way, we do not earn salvation—we are born again into God’s family through faith in Christ (John 3:3).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not require us to earn our salvation. Instead, He offers it freely through Jesus.

The old covenant of the law required strict obedience and brought fear and condemnation. But the new covenant of grace brings forgiveness and freedom.

God loves us too much to let us live under the burden of the law. Instead, He calls us to trust in His promise and experience the joy of being His children, not His slaves.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who fulfilled the law and brought grace (Matthew 5:17). Through Him:

1. We are set free from the law. Jesus took the punishment of the law upon Himself so we could live in freedom (Galatians 3:13).
2. We are part of the new covenant. Jesus established the new covenant through His blood, fulfilling God’s promise (Luke 22:20).
3. We become children of promise. Just as Isaac was born through God’s power, we are born again into God’s family by faith (Romans 8:16-17).

Paul’s point is clear: if we belong to Christ, we are free. We do not need to return to slavery under the law, because Jesus has already done everything necessary for our salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there areas in your faith where you are trusting in rules and traditions instead of God’s grace?
2. How does understanding the difference between law and grace change the way you see your relationship with God?
3. What does it mean to truly live in freedom as a child of promise?
4. Do you ever feel burdened by your faith? How can you focus more on God’s grace rather than human effort?
5. How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled the law for you bring peace and assurance in your spiritual life?

Galatians 4:24 is a powerful reminder that salvation is not about what we do—it is about what God has done. If we are in Christ, we are not slaves to religious rules—we are free children of promise, living in the joy of God’s grace.