Galatians 3:11

KJV

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} that {G3754} no man {G3762} is justified {G1344} by {G1722} the law {G3551} in the sight {G3844} of God {G2316}, it is evident {G1212}: for {G3754}, The just {G1342} shall live {G2198} by {G1537} faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now it is evident that no one comes to be declared righteous by God through legalism, since “The person who is righteous will attain life by trusting and being faithful.”

Berean Standard Bible

Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

American Standard Version

Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 3:11 profoundly asserts that justification, or being declared righteous in God's sight, is not attainable through adherence to the Mosaic Law but solely through faith. This pivotal verse encapsulates the core of Paul's argument against legalism, drawing upon an Old Testament prophecy to demonstrate that God's consistent method for establishing a right relationship with humanity has always been predicated on trust and belief, rather than human performance or legalistic observance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 3:11 is strategically placed within Paul's impassioned defense of the gospel of grace against the Judaizers, who were compelling Gentile Christians to adopt Jewish legal practices like circumcision for salvation. Chapter 3 begins with Paul's rhetorical questions to the Galatians, reminding them that they received the Spirit by faith, not by works of the law ([Galatians 3:2](/galatians/3-2 "Galatians 3:2 - Receiving the Spirit by Faith")). He then appeals to the example of Abraham, whose faith was "counted to him as righteousness" ([Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham's Faith Accounted as Righteousness")), establishing a foundational Old Testament precedent for justification by faith. Verse 10 highlights the curse of the Law for those who fail to keep it perfectly, setting up verse 11 as the divine alternative and solution to this predicament, contrasting the Law's inability to justify with faith's power to do so.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early church's struggle with the "Judaizer" movement, a group of Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be fully part of God's covenant people. This was a direct challenge to the apostles' teaching that salvation was by grace through faith alone, as affirmed at the Jerusalem Council ([Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council")). The Galatian churches, located in a Roman province in Asia Minor, were particularly susceptible to this false teaching, as many new converts were Gentiles unfamiliar with Jewish customs and the theological implications of the Law. Paul's letter is a vehement and urgent correction, emphasizing that the Law was never intended as a means of justification but served a different, temporary purpose, as he explains in [Galatians 3:19-25](/galatians/3-19-25 "Galatians 3:19-25 - The Purpose of the Law").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians and Pauline theology. First, it underscores the theme of **Justification by Faith Alone**, asserting that righteousness before God is a divine declaration based on faith, not on human merit or obedience to the Law. This stands in stark contrast to the **Inability of the Law to Justify**, a central argument Paul develops throughout the letter, explaining that the Law reveals sin and brings a curse, rather than providing life ([Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - The Curse of the Law")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Continuity of God's Plan**, showing that the principle of living by faith is not a new invention but an ancient truth, rooted in the Old Testament through the quotation from Habakkuk 2:4. This demonstrates that God's redemptive plan has always been consistent, culminating in Christ, who is the ultimate object of this saving faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** This verb means "to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent." In a theological context, it refers to God's act of declaring a person righteous, acquitting them of guilt, and bringing them into a right standing with Himself. It is a forensic or legal term, emphasizing a change in status before God, not an inherent change in moral character (though sanctification follows justification). Paul's use here emphasizes that this declaration cannot be earned through works of the Law.
* **Just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** Derived from the same root as "justified," this adjective describes someone who is "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy." It refers to a person who is righteous, upright, or in right standing. In this context, "the just" are those whom God has declared righteous, and it is these individuals who "shall live by faith."
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This noun signifies "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation." It encompasses belief, trust, and fidelity. Paul uses "faith" here not as a work, but as the means by which one apprehends God's grace and receives the righteousness that comes from Him, contrasting it sharply with "the law" as a means of achieving righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident:"** This opening clause serves as a definitive declaration. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast to the preceding discussion about the Law's curse. Paul asserts with absolute certainty ("evident," G1212, _dēlos_) that no human being ("no man," G3762, _oudeís_) can achieve a righteous standing before God ("in the sight of God," G3844, _pará Theós_) through adherence to or performance of the Mosaic Law ("by the law," G1722, _en nómos_). This underscores the Law's inability to provide salvation or righteousness, setting the stage for the alternative.
* **"for, The just shall live by faith."** This second clause provides the irrefutable reason ("for," G3754, _hóti_) for the preceding statement. It is a direct quotation from Habakkuk 2:4, a prophetic declaration from the Old Testament. Paul employs this ancient scripture to demonstrate that God's principle of salvation has always been through faith ("by faith," G1537, _ek pístis_). "The just" (G1342, _díkaios_) refers to those whom God has declared righteous, and it is their characteristic ("shall live," G2198, _záō_) that their life is sustained and defined by faith. This highlights that true spiritual life and right standing with God are not achieved by works but by trust in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Galatians 3:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as Paul directly cites Habakkuk 2:4, demonstrating his deep engagement with the Old Testament and arguing for the continuity of God's redemptive plan. This quotation serves as an authoritative anchor for his theological argument. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between "the law" and "faith" as means of justification, highlighting their mutually exclusive roles in achieving righteousness before God. This antithesis is central to Paul's polemic against the Judaizers. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, succinctly encapsulating the core theological truth that Paul has been building towards and will continue to elaborate upon throughout the letter: salvation is by grace through faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 3:11 is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the profound truth of justification by faith, a concept that liberates believers from the impossible burden of earning salvation through works of the Law. This verse establishes that God's standard for righteousness is not human performance, but divine grace received through faith. It underscores that the Law, while holy and good, was never intended as a means to justify, but rather to expose sin and lead humanity to Christ. The principle "the just shall live by faith" is not a New Testament innovation but an enduring truth woven into the fabric of God's covenant relationship with humanity from the beginning, exemplified by Abraham.

* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justified by Faith Apart from Law")
* [Hebrews 10:38](/hebrews/10-38 "Hebrews 10:38 - The Just Shall Live by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 3:11 offers profound freedom and assurance to believers today. In a world that often measures worth by achievement and performance, this verse reminds us that our standing with God is not based on what we do, but on what Christ has done and our trusting response to it. It frees us from the exhausting and ultimately futile pursuit of self-righteousness, inviting us to rest in the perfect righteousness of Christ. This truth cultivates genuine humility, as we acknowledge our inability to save ourselves, and profound gratitude for God's unmerited favor. Living by faith means continually trusting God's promises, relying on His strength, and obeying Him out of love and gratitude, rather than fear or obligation. It shapes our daily walk, informing our decisions, comforting us in trials, and empowering us to live lives that reflect the grace we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you still rely on your own efforts or performance to feel acceptable before God or others?**
* **How does understanding justification by faith alone change your perspective on sin, grace, and your relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully "by faith" in your daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**Does Galatians 3:11 mean the Law is bad or irrelevant?**

Answer: No, Galatians 3:11 does not mean the Law is bad or irrelevant. Paul consistently affirms the Law's divine origin and holiness (e.g., [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")). The issue is not the Law's inherent goodness, but its purpose and humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill it. Paul argues that the Law's primary function was to reveal sin, demonstrate humanity's need for a Savior, and act as a "guardian" or "tutor" to lead people to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). It was never given as a means of justification or salvation. Therefore, while it is not a path to righteousness, the Law remains valuable for understanding God's character, His standards, and the depth of our need for grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 3:11 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The declaration that "no man is justified by the law" highlights humanity's desperate need for a righteousness that the Law could not provide. Christ is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands, living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He became the curse for us, redeeming us from the curse of the Law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Thus, the "just" who "shall live by faith" are those who place their trust in Christ's finished work, receiving His righteousness by imputation ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the object of the faith that justifies, the one through whom God's ancient promise of salvation by grace is fully realized. Our life of faith is a life lived in union with Him, drawing sustenance and purpose from His resurrection power and the indwelling Spirit ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Living by Faith in the Son of God")).

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.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

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.

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.