Bible Strands
Galatians 4:29
At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches while defending justification by faith against opponents demanding circumcision. He invokes the historical conflict between Ishmael and Isaac to explain the current spiritual division within the community.
The words — The verb ἐδίωκεν (ediōken) literally means "he was persecuting," denoting active opposition. Paul introduces the comparison with ὥσπερ (hōsper), "just as," to anchor the present conflict to the past event.
The thread — The motif of one son opposing another appears in Genesis 21:9, where Sarah sees Hagar’s son mocking Isaac. Paul notes this pattern repeats in his own ministry, as those insisting on the law actively oppose those preaching grace.
Why it lands — The text declares that opposition between flesh-driven and Spirit-driven paths is an ongoing reality, not a closed historical chapter. Readers must identify which path they are following and reject reliance on human effort in favor of the promise.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Cross-references
- Genesis 21:9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,
- Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
- Galatians 5:11 Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
- Matthew 23:34 Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.
- John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
- John 15:9 As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.
- Galatians 4:23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,
- Hebrews 10:33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated.
- Galatians 6:12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.