Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Read it in contextThe promise and the law
Start reading at Galatians 3:15 (Galatians 3:15 to Galatians 3:22).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul distinguishes the earlier promise from the law that came later and explains the law's role without treating it as contrary to God's promises.
3:15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
3:16Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
3:17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
3:18For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
3:20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
3:21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 3:1–4:31): Paul challenges the Galatian believers about law and faith, using Abraham's family and Israel's law as scriptural examples. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The promise and the law. Read Galatians 3:15 through Galatians 3:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul distinguishes the earlier promise from the law that came later and explains the law's role without treating it as contrary to God's promises. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The promise and the law (Galatians 3:15 to Galatians 3:22).
Start reading at Galatians 3:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul appeals to the readers' reception of the Spirit and to Abraham, connecting the promised blessing with Christ's redeeming work.
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes the earlier promise from the law that came later and explains the law's role without treating it as contrary to God's promises.
Connection to the wholePaul describes the change in status through faith and baptism into Christ, identifying those who belong to Christ as Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.