Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

GALATIANS 4:28KJV
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Galatians 4:28 (KJV)

What does Galatians 4:28 mean?

Galatians 4:28 says that believers, like Isaac in the Old Testament, are considered "children of promise"—meaning their relationship with God is based on God's promise, not on human effort or ancestry. Paul is reminding his readers that their identity comes from God's gracious commitment, not from following religious rules.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, addressing both Jewish and non-Jewish followers of Jesus who were being pressured to follow the Jewish law. By mentioning Isaac, Paul points to the story where God promised Abraham a son, Isaac, not through human planning but by divine promise. Paul uses this to reassure the Galatians that their place in God's family is secure because of God's promise, just as Isaac's was.

The Greek behind Galatians 4:28

  • τέκνα (tekna, "children"): The Greek word here emphasizes a family relationship, not just physical descendants but those who truly belong in the household.
  • ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias, "promise"): This word refers to something pledged or assured by God, highlighting that the relationship is rooted in God's initiative and faithfulness, not human achievement.

Why Galatians 4:28 matters

  • Galatians 4:28 clarifies that belonging to God's family is not about ethnic background or keeping religious laws, but about trusting in God's promise.
  • The verse connects the Galatians' experience to the story of Isaac, showing that their faith journey is part of a much older story of God's faithfulness.
  • This verse helps clear up confusion for readers who might think they need to earn their place with God; Paul insists it is God's promise that matters most.

Where else these words appear

“Isaac” Greek G2464 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;