Galatians 3:23

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

But {G1161} before {G4253} faith {G4102} came {G2064}, we were kept {G5432} under {G5259} the law {G3551}, shut up {G4788} unto {G1519} the faith {G4102} which should afterwards {G3195} be revealed {G601}.

Now before the time for this trusting faithfulness came, we were imprisoned in subjection to the system which results from perverting the Torah into legalism, kept under guard until this yet-to-come trusting faithfulness would be revealed.

Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.

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

Commentary

In Galatians 3:23, the Apostle Paul continues his powerful argument concerning the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the advent of faith in Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, explaining the transitional period in God's redemptive plan.

Context

Paul's letter to the Galatians primarily addresses a theological crisis in the early church: the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and adhere to the ceremonial laws of Moses to be truly saved. Paul vehemently counters this, asserting that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law. In chapter 3, he uses Abraham as an example of justification by faith and then explains the temporary, preparatory role of the Law before the revelation of Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Law as a Custodian: The phrase "kept under the law" (KJV) or "imprisoned by the law" (NIV) highlights the Law's role as a temporary guardian. It was not given as a means of salvation, but rather to reveal sin and to keep humanity in check until the promised Savior arrived. The Law confined people, making them aware of their inability to meet God's perfect standard and thus pointing them to a greater need.
  • A State of Confinement: "Shut up unto the faith" uses a strong image (Greek: sygkekleismenoi, meaning "locked up together" or "confined"). This illustrates that humanity, under the Law, was held in a state of spiritual bondage, constrained by its demands and unable to escape sin's penalty on its own. This confinement was purposeful, designed to prepare the way for the liberating truth of the gospel.
  • The Revelation of Faith: The phrase "the faith which should afterwards be revealed" refers to the New Covenant era inaugurated by Jesus Christ. It signifies the full unveiling of God's plan of salvation through belief in His Son. This "faith" is not merely intellectual assent but a complete reliance on Christ's atoning work, which was the ultimate goal and culmination of God's dealings with humanity under the Law.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase hypo nomon, translated "under the law," denotes being under its authority or control, emphasizing the legal and moral dominion it held over people. The word sygkekleismenoi, translated "shut up," vividly portrays a state of being enclosed or imprisoned. It underscores the Law's function in showing humanity's inability to achieve righteousness independently, thereby preparing them to embrace the freedom found in Christ. This preparatory role is further elaborated in Galatians 3:24, where Paul calls the Law a "schoolmaster" or "tutor."

Practical Application

Galatians 3:23 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that while the Old Testament Law was holy and good, its purpose was to lead us to Christ, not to be a path to justification. We are no longer "kept under the law" in terms of salvation, but are free in Christ. This freedom does not mean license to sin, but rather the ability to live by God's grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Understanding this transition helps us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace and the finished work of Jesus, encouraging us to trust in His righteousness alone rather than our own efforts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:18

    But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

  • Galatians 3:24

    Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

  • Galatians 3:25

    But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • Romans 6:15

    What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

  • Galatians 3:19

    ¶ Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

  • Romans 11:32

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