Galatians 4:21 net — An Appeal from Allegory Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?

NET Bible

"An Appeal from Allegory Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?"

— Galatians 4:21, NET Bible

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Galatians 4:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Galatians 4 — Context

18

However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

19

My children– I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you!

20

I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you.

21

An Appeal from Allegory Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?

22

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.

23

But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise.

24

These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar.

Galatians 4:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Galatians 4:21 say?
Galatians 4:21 in the NET Bible reads: “An Appeal from Allegory Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?”
Where is Galatians 4:21 in the Bible?
Galatians 4:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Galatians, chapter 4, verse 21.
Who wrote Galatians?
Galatians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 48–55.
What is the book of Galatians about?
Galatians is Paul's fierce defense of justification by faith alone against teachers who would add the Law to the gospel. He argues that the Cross plus anything is no gospel — and that the freedom of the sons of God is not a license to sin but a Spirit-led life of love.
What are the major themes of Galatians?
Galatians explores themes including Justification by Faith, Freedom, Spirit vs. Flesh, Christian Liberty. These themes shape the meaning and context of Galatians 4:21.
What translation should I read Galatians 4:21 in?
Galatians 4:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Galatians 4:21?
Galatians 4:21 reads (NET): “An Appeal from Allegory Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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