Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

I do {G114} not {G3756} frustrate {G114} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}: for {G1063} if {G1487} righteousness {G1343} come by {G1223} the law {G3551}, then {G686} Christ {G5547} is dead {G599} in vain {G1432}.

I do not reject God’s gracious gift; for if the way in which one attains righteousness is through legalism, then the Messiah’s death was pointless.

I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.

I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.

Galatians 2:21 is a powerful declaration by the Apostle Paul, summarizing the core theological conflict at the heart of his letter to the Galatians: the nature of salvation and the role of God's grace versus human works.

Context

This verse concludes Paul's defense of his gospel message, particularly following his recounting of his confrontation with Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14). Paul was addressing the pervasive issue of "Judaizers" – false teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to Jewish law, specifically circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ, to be truly saved. Paul vehemently opposes this, arguing that such a requirement undermines the very essence of the gospel. He has just stated in Galatians 2:20 that he is "crucified with Christ," emphasizing a new life lived by faith in the Son of God.

Key Themes

  • The Unfrustratable Grace of God: Paul asserts that he does not "frustrate" (ἀθετέω - atheteō), meaning to annul, set aside, or make void, the grace of God. True faith upholds and relies entirely on God's unmerited favor for salvation, rather than nullifying its necessity by adding human effort.
  • Righteousness by Grace Alone: The verse directly challenges the idea that "righteousness" (being declared just or right before God) can be achieved through adherence to the Mosaic Law. If human effort or law-keeping could provide salvation, then Christ's ultimate sacrifice would have been unnecessary. This is the bedrock of the doctrine of justification by faith, not by works of the law.
  • The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice: The stark conclusion, "then Christ is dead in vain," powerfully underscores the absolute necessity and sufficiency of Jesus' atoning death. If salvation could be earned, Christ's death would be rendered pointless, without purpose, or "for nothing" (δωρεάν - dōrean). This highlights the profound value and unique efficacy of His work on the cross for our redemption and forgiveness of sins.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "frustrate the grace of God" translates the Greek verb atheteō (ἀθετέω), which conveys the strong sense of rejecting, nullifying, or treating as worthless. Paul's choice of this word emphasizes the severe implication of seeking righteousness through the law: it effectively makes God's gracious provision through Christ null and void. The phrase "in vain" comes from the Greek dōrean (δωρεάν), meaning "without cause," "gratuitously," or "for nothing," reinforcing the idea of a pointless or needless death if the law could save.

Practical Application

Galatians 2:21 remains highly relevant today as a bulwark against any teaching that adds human works, rituals, or efforts to God's free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a constant reminder:

  • Freedom from Legalism: Believers are freed from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through their own performance. Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith.
  • Appreciation for Christ's Sacrifice: The verse elevates the immense value of Jesus' death, reminding us that it was the only way to reconcile humanity to God. To add anything to it diminishes its perfect sufficiency.
  • Trust in God's Provision: It encourages full reliance on God's grace for justification and sanctification, rather than trusting in self-righteousness or human merit.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 11:6

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Galatians 3:21

    [Is] 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.

  • Hebrews 7:11

    ¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:14

    And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain.

  • Galatians 2:16

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • Galatians 5:2

    Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

  • Galatians 5:4

    Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

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