Commentary on Galatians 4:27

Verse Context: Galatians 4:27 states, "For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." This verse draws from Isaiah 54:1 and serves as a profound illustration of the contrast between spiritual fruitfulness and the bondage of the law.

Matthew Henry's Insights

Matthew Henry elaborates on the meaning of barrenness in a spiritual sense. He suggests that the barren represents the Gentile church, which is largely unfruitful under the old covenant of the law. In contrast, those under grace and faith in Christ produce abundant spiritual offspring.

• Spiritual Fruitfulness: Henry underscores that spiritual fruit is not tied to human ability or lineage, but through faith in Christ.
• Rejoicing in Desolation: The command to rejoice despite barrenness emphasizes a profound truth in Christian faith: God can bring life from death.
• Children of the Promise: The emphasis is on those who are children not of the flesh but of the promise — indicating a new covenant relationship faithful to God's grace.

Albert Barnes' Perspective

Albert Barnes provides a critical examination of this verse. He focuses on the historical context of Isaiah's message to Israel, proclaiming joy in a time of perceived desolation. The promise of many children, he explains, was God's assurance that the faithful remnant would outnumber the unfaithful and barren.

• Figurative Interpretation: Barnes interprets the metaphor of barrenness as referring to the Church, particularly during the early days when believers faced severe persecution.
• New Covenant Promises: He highlights the shift from the old covenant to the new, underscoring that in this new covenant, the followers of Christ are promised spiritual abundance.
• Promised Multiplication: The joy proclaimed by the barren is a prophetic statement about the evangelistic growth of the Church, where numbers would swell beyond expectation.

Adam Clarke's Analysis

Adam Clarke reflects deeply on the implications of this verse for understanding the distinction between the law and grace. He suggests that the passage from Isaiah serves not just as a comfort but also as a challenge to those who rely on their own works rather than on divine grace.

• Contrast with Hagar: Clarke draws a parallel with the story of Hagar and Sarah, emphasizing that just as Sarah, once barren, became fruitful through God's promise, so too will those in Christ thrive.
• Surety of God's Promise: He poignantly notes that God's faithfulness ensures that the barren will indeed bear children, symbolizing the influx of the Gentile believers into the faith.
• Exhortation to Faithfulness: Clarke encourages readers to embrace their identity as part of the New Jerusalem, cultivating an attitude of expectation and hope for God's promises.

Theological Implications

This verse encapsulates the theology of grace versus law, illustrating that true spiritual life and growth arise not from adherence to the law, but from faith in God's promises. The barren woman's joy speaks to the Church's vigor, rooted in the belief that God can revive and multiply what seems lost or impossible.

• Missionary Motivation: Understanding the joy of the barren fuels a missionary mindset, encouraging believers to spread the Gospel which brings hope to the hopeless.
• Identity of the Believer: The verse reaffirms the believer's identity as God's children, called to be heirs of the promise and partakers in His grace.
• Anticipation of Growth: The expectation of growth should drive believers to look beyond their present realities to the future God has ordained for His people.

Conclusion

Galatians 4:27 invites believers into a deep reflection on their spiritual heritage, encouraging them to rejoice in the face of spiritual barrenness. This commentary draws on the rich insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke to illuminate the promise of fruitfulness found in Christ. It challenges pastors, theologians, and students to recognize their place in this promise and to actively participate in bringing forth the abundant life offered through faith.