Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of a "free-woman" is primarily explored in the context of the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The term is used to contrast the spiritual freedom found in Christ with the bondage of the law, as well as to illustrate the difference between living under the old covenant and the new covenant of grace.Galatians 4:21-31: The most direct reference to a "free-woman" is found in Paul's epistle to the Galatians. In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar to explain the difference between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is referred to as the "free-woman," while Hagar, the slave woman, represents the old covenant of the law given at Mount Sinai. Paul writes, "But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother" (Galatians 4:26). Here, Sarah symbolizes the new covenant, which is based on the promise of God and results in spiritual freedom. This freedom is contrasted with the bondage represented by Hagar, who corresponds to the earthly Jerusalem and the old covenant. Spiritual Implications: The concept of the free-woman is deeply tied to the theme of spiritual freedom in Christ. Believers are considered children of the free-woman, Sarah, and are thus heirs of the promise given to Abraham. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, who liberates believers from the bondage of sin and the law. Paul emphasizes that, as children of the free-woman, Christians are not to return to the yoke of slavery but to stand firm in the freedom that Christ provides (Galatians 5:1). Romans 8:2: The idea of freedom is further elaborated in Romans, where Paul states, "For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). This freedom is a key aspect of the believer's identity in Christ, signifying liberation from the power of sin and the legalistic demands of the law. Historical Context: In the historical context of the early church, the distinction between the free-woman and the slave woman would have been particularly poignant. Many early Christians were grappling with the relationship between Jewish law and the new faith in Christ. Paul's allegory served to clarify that the new covenant, represented by the free-woman, supersedes the old covenant, offering a new way of relating to God through faith rather than adherence to the law. Theological Significance: Theologically, the free-woman represents the grace and promise of God, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel. It underscores the belief that salvation and righteousness are gifts from God, not earned by works but received through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding is central to the doctrine of justification by faith, a cornerstone of Christian theology. In summary, the concept of the free-woman in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the freedom and grace found in the new covenant through Jesus Christ. It contrasts the bondage of the law with the liberating promise of the gospel, inviting believers to live as children of the promise, free from the constraints of the old covenant. Greek 1658. eleutheros -- free, ie not a slave or not under restraint ... word Definition free, ie not a slave or not under restraint NASB Word Usage exempt (1), free (12), free man (2), free men (3), free woman (4), freeman (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1658.htm - 7k Library Of the Children of the Flesh and the Children of the Promise. John Chapter iii. 21-Jun Fourth Sunday in Lent The Two Covenants: their Relation Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ... For that Both History of the Old Testament... Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture. But Now to Come to Something More Definite. ... And Erring Widely from the Meaning of Scripture, He Says that "God ... Scriptural Confirmation of the Catholic Doctrine. Thesaurus Freewoman (4 Occurrences)...FREEWOMAN. fre'-woom-an (eleuthera): Found but 4 times in the King James Version (Galatians 4:22, 23, 10, 31). ...Freewoman (4 Occurrences). ... /f/freewoman.htm - 8k Free-woman (4 Occurrences) Free-woman's (1 Occurrence) Servant-woman (7 Occurrences) Slave-girl (6 Occurrences) Maid (57 Occurrences) Maid-servant (49 Occurrences) Bondwoman (17 Occurrences) Bond-woman (6 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgIs it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Free-woman (4 Occurrences)Galatians 4:22 Galatians 4:23 Galatians 4:26 Galatians 4:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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