Galatians 3:11

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

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}.

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.”

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

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

Galatians 3:11 is a foundational verse in the Apostle Paul's argument for justification by faith, not by adherence to the Mosaic Law. It succinctly declares that human effort through legalistic observance cannot earn righteousness before God, but rather, true righteousness comes through faith.

Context of Galatians 3:11

Paul's letter to the Galatians fiercely defends the gospel of grace against false teachers, known as Judaizers, who were insisting that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses to be truly saved. In this chapter, Paul systematically dismantles their arguments by appealing to Abraham's example (whose righteousness was credited by faith, not works) and the very purpose of the Law. Galatians 3:11 serves as a pivotal statement, drawing on Old Testament prophecy to underscore that God's method for declaring people righteous has always been through faith.

Key Themes

  • Justification by Faith Alone: This verse clearly states that "no man is justified by the law in the sight of God." Justification means being declared righteous by God, acquitted of guilt, and brought into a right standing with Him. Paul emphasizes that this divine declaration is not based on keeping the Law, which humanity is inherently incapable of perfectly fulfilling, but solely on faith in Christ. This theme is central to Paul's theology, as seen in Romans 3:28, where he states we are justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
  • The Law's Inability to Justify: The Law reveals sin and God's perfect standard, but it cannot make a person righteous or provide salvation. Its purpose, as Paul explains elsewhere, was to lead people to Christ by demonstrating their need for a savior (Galatians 3:24).
  • Old Testament Prophecy Fulfilled: The latter part of the verse, "The just shall live by faith," is a direct quote from the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4). Paul uses this ancient scripture to demonstrate that the principle of living by faith is not a new concept introduced by Christianity, but an enduring truth of God's interaction with humanity, even found within the Old Testament scriptures. This same quote is also used by Paul in Romans 1:17 to establish the theme of righteousness by faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "justified" is dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning "to declare righteous," "to acquit," or "to put into a right relationship." It's a legal or forensic term, signifying a change in one's standing before God, not a change in one's moral character (though that follows). The term "just" (dikaios, δίκαιος) refers to one who is righteous or upright. The emphasis is on God's declaration, based on Christ's work, rather than human merit.

Practical Application

For believers today, Galatians 3:11 offers immense freedom and assurance. It affirms that our standing with God is not dependent on our performance, religious rituals, or adherence to a set of rules, but on our trusting faith in Jesus Christ. This truth frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in His grace. It calls us to live a life characterized by faith, trusting in God's provision and promises, rather than our own strength or works. Embracing this truth leads to genuine spiritual peace and empowers us to live righteously out of gratitude, not obligation, understanding that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith.

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.

  • 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.

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