3:16 3:16

Galatians 3:17

3:18 3:18

Bible Versions

And 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.
And {G1161} this {G5124} I say {G3004}, that the covenant {G1242}, that was confirmed before {G4300} of {G5259} God {G2316} in {G1519} Christ {G5547}, the law {G3551}, which was {G1096} four hundred {G5071} and {G2532} thirty {G5144} years {G2094} after {G3326}, cannot {G3756} disannul {G208}, that {G1519} it should make {G2673} the promise {G1860} of none effect {G2673}.
Here is what I am saying: the legal part of the Torah, which came into being 430 years later, does not nullify an oath sworn by God, so as to abolish the promise.
What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise.
Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul, so as to make the promise of none effect.

Galatians 3:17 is a pivotal verse in Paul’s argument for justification by faith, not by works of the Law. Here, Paul emphasizes the chronological and theological supremacy of God’s covenant of promise with Abraham over the Mosaic Law, which came much later.

Context

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul passionately refutes the teachings of the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul argues that salvation has always been, and continues to be, by faith in Jesus Christ. To bolster this point, he references the covenant God made with Abraham, which predates the Law by 430 years. This historical timeline is crucial to his argument.

Key Themes

  • The Unchangeable Nature of God's Promise: Paul asserts that God’s original covenant of promise, established long before the Law, cannot be nullified or altered. This highlights God's faithfulness and the eternal validity of His word.
  • Supremacy of Grace Over Law: The verse firmly establishes that the Law, given centuries later, did not replace or diminish the promise of salvation through faith. The covenant with Abraham was based on God's free grace and promise, not on human obedience to a legal code.
  • The Law's Limited Purpose: If the Law couldn't disannul the promise, what was its purpose? Paul clarifies elsewhere that the Law was added because of transgressions, acting as a "schoolmaster" to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:19, Galatians 3:24), not to provide righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "disannul" is akuroō (ἀκυρόω), meaning "to render void," "deprive of force," or "invalidate." It's a strong legal term, emphasizing that the Law, despite its authority, had no power to make the earlier, divinely established promise ineffective or "of none effect." The phrase "of none effect" comes from kenoō (κενόω), which means "to empty" or "to make void," reinforcing the idea that the promise remains full of power and validity.

Practical Application

This verse provides profound assurance for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is founded on God's unwavering promise and grace, not on our ability to perfectly keep a set of rules. We are justified by faith in Christ, just as Abraham was. This understanding frees us from legalism and the burden of trying to earn God's favor through works. Our good works flow out of a grateful heart that has already received salvation, rather than being a means to achieve it. It underscores the reliability of God's character and His promises to those who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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