Galatians 3:22

KJV

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} the scripture {G1124} hath concluded {G4788} all {G3956} under {G5259} sin {G266}, that {G2443} the promise {G1860} by {G1537} faith {G4102} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} might be given {G1325} to them that believe {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But instead, the Tanakh shuts up everything under sin; so that what had been promised might be given, on the basis of Yeshua the Messiah’s trusting faithfulness, to those who continue to be trustingly faithful.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

American Standard Version

But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 3:22 profoundly articulates the universal predicament of humanity under sin and God's singular, gracious provision for salvation. Paul declares that the Mosaic Law, or "Scripture," serves to reveal and confirm the pervasive nature of human sinfulness, thereby demonstrating that all people are held captive by sin. This universal condemnation, however, is not an end in itself but a divinely ordained means to highlight the absolute necessity and exclusivity of God's promise of salvation, which is freely given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 3:22 stands as a pivotal summary statement within Paul's broader argument contrasting the Law and the Promise in the Epistle to the Galatians. Having established that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works of the Law ([Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham Justified by Faith")), Paul then addresses the purpose of the Law. He argues that the Law was not given to nullify the promise or to provide an alternative means of righteousness, but rather to reveal sin and serve as a "guardian" or "schoolmaster" leading to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). Verse 22 functions as a concise theological conclusion, explaining *why* the Law's condemning function is essential: to shut off all other avenues of salvation, leaving faith in Christ as the only door. It immediately precedes Paul's declaration of the new identity in Christ, where distinctions of Jew/Gentile, slave/free, male/female are dissolved in a shared faith ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Galatians was written to address a severe theological crisis: the infiltration of "Judaizers" who were teaching that Gentile converts to Christianity must also observe aspects of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved. This teaching directly undermined the sufficiency of Christ's work and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The Galatian churches, located in a Roman province in Asia Minor, comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, making the tension between Law and Grace particularly acute. Paul's forceful argument in [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Law and Promise") draws on the Old Testament, particularly the Abrahamic covenant, to demonstrate that God's plan of salvation has always been centered on promise and faith, not on legalistic adherence, which was a common understanding of righteousness in both Jewish and Roman legal systems of the day.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the **universal sinfulness** of humanity, a foundational premise for the Gospel. By declaring that "the scripture hath concluded all under sin," Paul emphasizes that no one, Jew or Gentile, is exempt from God's righteous judgment, aligning with his broader argument in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Secondly, it clarifies the **Law's true purpose**: not to justify, but to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's utter inability to achieve righteousness through self-effort. The Law acts as a mirror, revealing the depth of human depravity and the impossibility of earning salvation. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **primacy of God's promise and grace**. The condemnation under sin serves to magnify the "promise by faith of Jesus Christ," emphasizing that salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement. This promise, rooted in the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Finally, it reinforces the **exclusivity and necessity of faith in Jesus Christ** as the sole means of receiving this promise, affirming that salvation is "given to them that believe."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From G1124, meaning "a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)." In this context, "the scripture" refers to the Old Testament, particularly the Law, which functions as a divine witness and judge. It is the authoritative declaration of God that reveals humanity's sinful state and inability to meet His standards.
* **Concluded (Greek, _synkleíō'_):** From G4788, meaning "to shut together, i.e. include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to." This powerful verb conveys the idea of a universal and inescapable confinement or imprisonment under the power of sin. It implies that every human being is enclosed, shut up, and held captive by sin, with no escape route through self-effort or legalistic observance.
* **Promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** From G1860, meaning "an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)." This term refers to God's unfailing declaration of future blessing, specifically the covenant blessings of salvation and righteousness. It highlights that salvation originates entirely from God's faithfulness and gracious initiative, not from human merit or performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin,"**: This clause presents a stark contrast ("But") to the previous discussion, asserting a universal truth. "The scripture," referring to the Old Testament Law, is personified as an active agent. It has "concluded" (a perfect tense verb, indicating a completed action with ongoing results) "all" humanity—Jew and Gentile alike—"under sin." This means humanity is universally imprisoned, condemned, and held captive by sin, demonstrating an inescapable spiritual predicament and a profound inability to achieve righteousness by human effort.
* **"that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ"**: This introduces the divine purpose ("that") behind the universal condemnation. The "promise" refers to the long-foretold blessings of salvation and righteousness, first given to Abraham, which are now fully realized and made accessible. This promise is received "by faith," emphasizing that it is not earned by works but appropriated through trust and reliance. The object of this saving faith is explicitly "Jesus Christ," highlighting His central and indispensable role in God's redemptive plan.
* **"might be given to them that believe."**: This final clause specifies the recipients and the manner of receiving the promise. The promise is not earned but "might be given" (a passive verb, emphasizing God as the giver), underscoring its nature as a gracious gift. It is bestowed exclusively "to them that believe," reinforcing that personal faith in Jesus Christ is the sole condition for receiving God's saving promise, thereby excluding any reliance on works of the Law.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in Galatians 3:22 to convey his theological argument. The **personification** of "the scripture" as an agent that "has concluded" humanity under sin gives it an active, judicial role, emphasizing its divine authority in revealing human depravity. The phrase "under sin" uses **metaphor** to describe a state of bondage or imprisonment, where sin is portrayed as a master or a confining force from which humanity cannot escape on its own. This creates a sense of universal predicament, setting the stage for the liberating solution. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **syllogism** in miniature, presenting a premise (universal condemnation by the Law) leading to an inevitable conclusion (the necessity of salvation by faith in Christ). The **contrast** between the Law's role in exposing sin and the promise's role in providing salvation through faith is central to Paul's argument throughout Galatians, and this verse encapsulates that tension and resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 3:22 is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the fundamental problem of universal human sinfulness and God's singular, gracious solution. It underscores the Law's revelatory function, not its saving power, demonstrating that its purpose was to lead humanity to the realization of their desperate need for a Savior. This verse beautifully sets up the Gospel message: humanity is utterly lost without Christ, and God, in His boundless love, has provided the only way out through faith in His Son. It affirms that salvation is not a reward for human effort but a free gift of divine grace, received by humble trust in Jesus.

* [Romans 3:9-20](/romans/3-9-20 "Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin")
* [Romans 11:32](/romans/11-32 "Romans 11:32 - God Has Confined All to Disobedience")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 3:22 offers profound insights that call for deep reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. It dismantles any notion of self-righteousness or the ability to earn God's favor through works, reminding us that our standing before God is entirely dependent on His grace, received through faith in Christ. This truth should cultivate a profound humility and a deep appreciation for the unmerited favor of God. Understanding that "the scripture has concluded all under sin" highlights the radical nature of the Gospel—it addresses a universal, inescapable problem with a singular, divine solution. This should fuel our worship and gratitude, knowing that we have been liberated from sin's bondage not by our own strength, but by Christ's atoning work. Furthermore, it clarifies the message we are to share with a lost world: first, the bad news of universal sin, then the glorious good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "all are concluded under sin" deepen your appreciation for God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways might you still be tempted to rely on your own efforts or good works for your standing with God, rather than solely on faith in Christ?**
* **How does this verse shape your understanding of the Law's purpose, both in biblical history and in your own life?**
* **How can the clarity of this verse empower you to share the Gospel more effectively with others, emphasizing both the problem of sin and the solution in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "the scripture hath concluded all under sin"?**

Answer: This phrase means that the Old Testament, particularly the Law, serves as God's authoritative declaration that every human being, without exception, is guilty before Him and held captive by the power of sin. It's not that the Scripture *makes* people sinful, but that it *reveals* and *confirm*s their inherent sinful state and inability to achieve righteousness on their own. The word "concluded" (Greek: _synkleíō_) implies a universal shutting up or confining, like being imprisoned, leaving no escape route through human effort or legalistic observance. This universal condemnation is a divine judgment that highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior, effectively shutting off all other paths to God and pointing exclusively to Christ. Paul makes a similar point in [Romans 3:9-19](/romans/3-9-19 "Romans 3:9-19 - All Are Under Sin"), where he systematically demonstrates that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 3:22 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the object and the means of the promise. The universal conclusion of "all under sin" is the very predicament that necessitated Christ's advent. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of humanity's condemnation on the cross. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death fulfilled the Law's demands and satisfied God's righteous judgment against sin, thereby releasing those "concluded under sin" from their bondage. The "promise by faith" is realized in Him, for He is the Seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). Through His resurrection, He offers new life and righteousness to "them that believe," demonstrating that God's power to save is fully manifested in Him. Thus, Christ is the divine solution to the universal problem, the embodiment of the promise, and the sole ground for faith, making Him the glorious fulfillment of all that the Law foreshadowed and all that humanity desperately needed. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") powerfully states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness 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

Romans 11:32

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Hebrews 9:15

¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Galatians 3:23

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

1 John 2:25

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.