Galatians 3:18

KJV

For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487} the inheritance {G2817} be of {G1537} the law {G3551}, it is no more {G3765} of {G1537} promise {G1860}: but {G1161} God {G2316} gave {G5483} it to Abraham {G11} by {G1223} promise {G1860}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if the inheritance comes from the legal part of the Torah, it no longer comes from a promise. But God gave it to Avraham through a promise.

Berean Standard Bible

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.

American Standard Version

For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 3:18 powerfully articulates the fundamental incompatibility between two distinct pathways to divine inheritance: one based on human adherence to the Law, and the other on God's sovereign, unconditional promise. Paul asserts that if the inheritance were contingent upon legal performance, it would nullify the very nature of God's original, gracious covenant with Abraham, which was freely given by promise. This verse serves as a critical theological linchpin, reinforcing the truth that salvation and all its accompanying blessings are received by grace through faith, not by works of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial logical step within Paul's broader argument in [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law vs. Promise"). Following his rhetorical questions in [Galatians 3:1-5](/galatians/3-1-5 "Galatians 3:1-5 - Receiving the Spirit by Faith"), which challenge the Galatians' shift towards legalism, Paul introduces Abraham as the prime example of righteousness by faith in [Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham Believed God"). He then elaborates on the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing its priority and unchangeable nature compared to the Mosaic Law, which came 430 years later ([Galatians 3:17](/galatians/3-17 "Galatians 3:17 - The Law Does Not Annul the Promise")). [Galatians 3:18](/galatians/3-18 "Galatians 3:18 - Inheritance by Promise, Not Law") acts as a conclusive statement, drawing a sharp distinction between the Law and the Promise as mutually exclusive means of obtaining the inheritance, thereby setting the stage for his explanation of the Law's true purpose in the subsequent verses ([Galatians 3:19-25](/galatians/3-19-25 "Galatians 3:19-25 - The Purpose of the Law")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Galatian churches, composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, were being influenced by "Judaizers" – Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be true followers of Christ. This teaching directly contradicted Paul's gospel of [justification by faith alone](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith"). The Law, particularly circumcision, was a deeply ingrained symbol of Jewish identity and covenant membership, making the Judaizers' arguments culturally potent. Paul's letter directly addresses this theological crisis, asserting that adherence to the Law as a means of salvation undermines the very foundation of God's grace and the Abrahamic covenant, which predated and transcended the Mosaic Law. The concept of "inheritance" would have resonated with both Jewish understanding of the promised land and Gentile concepts of receiving an enduring legacy.
* **Key Themes:** [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law vs. Promise") is saturated with several critical theological themes that [Galatians 3:18](/galatians/3-18 "Galatians 3:18 - Inheritance by Promise, Not Law") powerfully reinforces. The primary theme is the **incompatibility of Law and Promise** as pathways to salvation and inheritance. Paul argues that these two principles operate on fundamentally different logics: one is based on human performance and obligation, the other on divine grace and unconditional gift. This leads to the theme of **justification by faith**, a central tenet of Paul's theology, exemplified by Abraham's righteousness being credited through faith ([Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham Believed God")). The verse also highlights the **primacy and immutability of the Abrahamic Covenant**, emphasizing that God's promise to Abraham was unconditional and could not be annulled or superseded by the later Mosaic Law ([Galatians 3:17](/galatians/3-17 "Galatians 3:17 - The Law Does Not Annul the Promise")). Finally, the concept of **inheritance** itself is a key theme, referring not just to physical land but to the full spiritual blessings of salvation, adoption as sons, and eternal life, which are received as a gift through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **inheritance (Greek, _klēronomía'_):** This term refers to a possession received as a legacy or by right, often implying a patrimony. In this context, it signifies the spiritual blessings and covenantal benefits promised by God, including salvation, righteousness, and eternal life, which believers receive not through their own merit but as a divine gift. It underscores the idea of a familial right, emphasizing adoption into God's family.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This word denotes a rule, regulation, or principle, specifically referring to the Mosaic Law given at Sinai. Paul uses it to represent a system of works-based righteousness, where human obedience to a set of commands is seen as the means to gain favor with God. The contrast here is between a system of human obligation and a system of divine grace.
* **promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** This term signifies an announcement, information, or pledge, particularly a divine assurance of good. It highlights God's initiative, faithfulness, and unconditional commitment to bestow blessings. In Galatians, it refers specifically to the covenant God made with Abraham, which was based entirely on God's gracious word, not on Abraham's performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if the inheritance be of the law,"**: Paul begins with a logical premise, using "if" (G1487, _ei_) to set up a hypothetical condition. The "inheritance" (G2817, _klēronomía_) refers to the spiritual blessings and covenantal benefits that believers receive from God. The phrase "of the law" (G1537, _ek_ G3551, _nómos_) signifies that the inheritance originates from or is dependent upon adherence to the Mosaic Law. This clause posits a scenario where human works and legal obedience are the basis for receiving God's blessings.
* **"it is no more of promise:"**: This is the direct logical consequence of the first clause. The phrase "no more" (G3765, _oukéti_) emphasizes an absolute incompatibility. If the inheritance were earned by law, it could not simultaneously be a gift based on "promise" (G1860, _epangelía_). The nature of a promise is that it is freely given and received by faith, without conditions of performance. To introduce legal requirements would fundamentally alter and nullify the gracious character of the promise.
* **"but God gave it to Abraham by promise."**: This final clause provides the decisive counter-argument and the theological truth. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a strong contrast. Paul asserts that "God" (G2316, _theós_) Himself "gave" (G5483, _charízomai_, meaning to grant as a favor, gratuitously) the inheritance to "Abraham" (G11, _Abraám_). The crucial phrase "by promise" (G1223, _diá_ G1860, _epangelía_) explicitly states the channel or means by which the inheritance was bestowed: solely through God's unconditional, gracious word. This affirms the divine initiative and the unmerited nature of the blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **antithesis** in [Galatians 3:18](/galatians/3-18 "Galatians 3:18 - Inheritance by Promise, Not Law"), sharply contrasting "law" and "promise" as mutually exclusive principles for receiving the divine inheritance. This is a classic example of **dichotomy**, where two concepts are presented as entirely separate and opposing, highlighting that one negates the other. The verse also functions as a **logical argument** (specifically, a *reductio ad absurdum* or a form of *a fortiori* reasoning), demonstrating that if the premise of law-based inheritance were true, it would lead to the absurd conclusion that God's earlier, unconditional promise to Abraham is rendered void. This rhetorical strategy aims to convince the Galatians of the inherent flaw in the Judaizers' theology by showing its destructive implications for God's character and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 3:18 is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, asserting the fundamental distinction between covenant by works and covenant by grace. It underscores that God's relationship with humanity, particularly concerning salvation and spiritual blessings, is established through His unmerited favor, not through human effort or adherence to a legal code. The "inheritance" here encompasses all the blessings of salvation, including righteousness, adoption, and eternal life, which are freely given by God. This truth liberates believers from the burden of striving to earn what can only be received as a gift, redirecting their faith entirely to God's faithfulness and the finished work of Christ. It highlights the unchanging nature of God's original promise, which predates and therefore cannot be nullified by the Law.

* [Romans 4:13-14](/romans/4-13-14 "Romans 4:13-14 - Promise Not Through Law")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Hebrews 6:13-15](/hebrews/6-13-15 "Hebrews 6:13-15 - God's Unchanging Promise to Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 3:18 offers profound liberation and assurance for believers today. It unequivocally declares that our standing with God, our access to His blessings, and our eternal hope are not contingent upon our performance, our adherence to rules, or our religious achievements. Instead, they rest entirely on God's faithful, unconditional promise, freely given and received by faith. This truth guards us against the insidious trap of legalism, which subtly shifts our focus from Christ's finished work to our own flawed efforts. It calls us to live in the freedom of grace, trusting in God's unshakeable word and responding to His love with grateful obedience, rather than striving to earn what has already been graciously bestowed. Our identity as heirs is secured by His promise, not by our merit, fostering a deep sense of peace and security in our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you subtly rely on your own performance or adherence to rules rather than God's promise for your sense of worth or acceptance?**
* **How does understanding the incompatibility of "law" and "promise" in Galatians 3:18 deepen your appreciation for God's grace?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and assurance of God's promise, rather than the burden of legalism?**

### FAQ
**What does "inheritance" mean in this context, and how is it received?**

Answer: In Galatians 3:18, "inheritance" (Greek, _klēronomía_) refers to the full scope of spiritual blessings and covenantal benefits that God bestows upon His people. This includes not just the land promised to Abraham, but more broadly, righteousness, adoption as sons and daughters of God, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. It is received not through human effort or adherence to the Mosaic Law, but solely "by promise" – meaning it is a free, unmerited gift from God, received through faith, just as Abraham's righteousness was credited to him through faith ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham Believed God")). Paul's argument throughout [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law vs. Promise") is that if it were based on law, it would no longer be a promise, thus nullifying God's original, unconditional covenant.

**Why is it so critical that the inheritance is "no more of promise" if it is "of the law"?**

Answer: Paul's statement highlights a fundamental theological incompatibility. The nature of a "promise" (Greek, _epangelía_) is that it is an unconditional, gracious declaration from God, freely given and requiring only faith for reception. The nature of "law" (Greek, _nómos_), when presented as a means of obtaining salvation or inheritance, is that it requires perfect human performance and obedience to earn a reward. These two principles are mutually exclusive. If the inheritance is earned by fulfilling legal requirements, it ceases to be a free gift based on God's grace and faithfulness; it becomes a wage. This would undermine the very character of God's covenant with Abraham, which was established by promise, not by works ([Galatians 3:17](/galatians/3-17 "Galatians 3:17 - The Law Does Not Annul the Promise")). Therefore, to mix law and promise as means of obtaining the inheritance is to nullify the promise entirely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 3:18 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the promised "seed" of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). The inheritance, which God gave to Abraham by promise, is fully realized and secured in Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law, not to establish a new legalistic path, but to redeem those who were under the Law's curse ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Because Christ perfectly obeyed and then offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, the promises made to Abraham, which were always about God's unmerited favor, are now accessible to all who believe in Him. Through faith in Christ, we become "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), receiving the Spirit and all the blessings of salvation not by our works, but by God's gracious gift in His Son. Christ is the guarantor of the promise, the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making the inheritance a secure reality for all who are united with Him by faith.

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

Galatians 2:21

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

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:15

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:16

Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Psalms 105:42

For he remembered his holy promise, [and] Abraham his servant.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.