Galatians 3:7

KJV

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

KJV (with Strong's)

Know ye {G1097} therefore {G686} that {G3754} they which are of {G1537} faith {G4102}, the same {G3778} are {G1526} the children {G5207} of Abraham {G11}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be assured, then, that it is those who live by trusting and being faithful who are really children of Avraham.

Berean Standard Bible

Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham.

American Standard Version

Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 3:7 serves as a pivotal declaration in Paul's argument for justification by faith, asserting that true spiritual lineage to Abraham is not determined by physical descent or adherence to the Mosaic Law, but by a shared characteristic of faith. This verse underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, revealing that all who believe in Christ are counted as Abraham's spiritual heirs, thereby receiving the promises and blessings originally given to the patriarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader theological argument of Galatians 3, where Paul passionately defends the doctrine of justification by faith against the legalistic teachings of the Judaizers. Having just challenged the Galatians by asking how they received the Spirit—by works of the Law or by hearing with faith ([Galatians 3:2](/galatians/3-2 "Galatians 3:2 - Receiving the Spirit by Faith")), and reminding them of their initial experience of faith ([Galatians 3:3-5](/galatians/3-3-5 "Galatians 3:3-5 - Beginning by the Spirit, perfected by the flesh?")), Paul immediately turns to the foundational example of Abraham. He quotes [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness") in [Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham Believed God") to establish that Abraham's righteousness was credited to him through faith, not through works or circumcision (which came later). Verse 7 then draws the logical conclusion from this premise, defining the true "children of Abraham."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The churches in Galatia, comprised of both Jewish and Gentile converts, were facing severe theological pressure from "Judaizers"—Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe other aspects of the Mosaic Law to be truly saved and fully part of God's covenant people. This teaching directly contradicted the Gospel Paul preached, which emphasized salvation by grace through faith alone. For Jewish people, descent from Abraham was a source of immense pride and a sign of covenant privilege. Paul's radical redefinition of "children of Abraham" would have been shocking and highly controversial, challenging deeply ingrained ethnic and religious identities. His argument aims to dismantle the exclusivity of a works-based righteousness and establish a new, inclusive identity in Christ.

* **Key Themes:** [Galatians 3](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Justification by Faith and the Law") is rich with themes central to Paul's theology. **Justification by Faith** is paramount; Paul argues that right standing with God is achieved solely through belief in Christ, mirroring Abraham's experience. This directly contrasts with **Justification by Works of the Law**, which Paul vehemently refutes as a means of salvation. The concept of the **Spiritual Lineage of Abraham** is redefined, moving beyond physical descent to include all who share Abraham's faith, whether Jew or Gentile. This redefinition underpins the **Unity of Believers in Christ**, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Finally, the chapter emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Plan of Salvation**, showing that the Gospel preached to Abraham ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")) is the same Gospel now revealed in Christ, demonstrating God's consistent method of relating to humanity through faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This word signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. Paul is not asking the Galatians to simply acknowledge a fact, but to grasp and internalize a profound theological truth that should reshape their understanding of salvation and identity. It implies a call to understand fully the implications of Abraham's example for their own faith.
* **of (Greek, _ek'_):** This preposition is crucial, denoting origin, source, or means. When Paul says "they which are _of_ faith," he is emphasizing that faith is the very wellspring or originating principle of their spiritual identity and standing before God. It's not just that they have faith, but that their very being as God's children proceeds _from_ or _by means of_ faith. This highlights faith as the exclusive basis, excluding works.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This term encompasses persuasion, credence, and moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. It signifies trust, belief, and faithfulness. In this context, _pístis_ is presented as the singular means by which one enters into a right relationship with God and becomes a spiritual descendant of Abraham, contrasting sharply with adherence to legalistic requirements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye therefore":** Paul employs a logical connector ("therefore," _ára_) to draw a decisive conclusion from the preceding argument, particularly the example of Abraham's faith being counted as righteousness in [Galatians 3:6](/galatians/3-6 "Galatians 3:6 - Abraham Believed God"). This phrase serves as an imperative, urging the Galatians to grasp the profound implication of what he has just stated. It's a call to understand and accept this foundational truth.
* **"that they which are of faith":** This clause identifies the true spiritual lineage. The Greek preposition _ek_ ("of" or "out of") signifies that faith is the origin or defining characteristic of these individuals. It's not about ethnic background, physical descent, or adherence to the Law, but about a disposition of trust and reliance on God. This phrase sets up a direct contrast with those who rely on works of the Law for their standing.
* **"the same are the children of Abraham.":** This is the climactic assertion. Paul redefines "children of Abraham" from a biological or ethnic designation to a spiritual one. Those who share Abraham's characteristic of faith are his true heirs, inheriting the promises made to him. This statement radically broadens the scope of God's covenant people to include Gentiles who believe, dismantling the exclusive claims of the Judaizers and affirming the universal reach of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's argument in [Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith") masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Redefinition**, where Paul takes the culturally significant and ethnically charged term "children of Abraham" and reinterprets its meaning. He shifts its primary referent from physical descent to spiritual affinity, specifically faith. This redefinition is central to his argument against the Judaizers, as it undermines their claim that Gentiles must become Jewish (through circumcision and Law-observance) to be fully part of God's people. This redefinition also implies a strong **Contrast** between those who rely on physical lineage or works of the Law and those who rely on faith. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Logical Conclusion** (indicated by "therefore"), drawing a necessary inference from the preceding premise of Abraham's justification by faith. This rhetorical strategy aims to persuade the Galatians by demonstrating the logical consistency of salvation by faith alone, rooted in the very history of Israel's patriarch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 3:7 is a theological linchpin, asserting that the true "children of Abraham" are those who share his faith, not merely his physical lineage. This radical redefinition dismantles the notion that salvation or covenant membership is based on ethnic identity or legalistic observance, firmly establishing faith as the sole criterion. It underscores the profound truth that God's method of justification has always been consistent, from Abraham to Christ: righteousness is imputed by grace through faith. This verse thus serves as a powerful declaration of the inclusivity of the Gospel, demonstrating that the blessings promised to Abraham are now extended to all nations through Christ, uniting Jew and Gentile into one spiritual family.

* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness")
* [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Believers")
* [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 3:7 offers profound liberation and a call to humble dependence. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our performance, religious rituals, or adherence to external rules. Our identity and standing before God are not based on what we do, but on what Christ has done and our simple, profound trust in Him. This truth fosters deep assurance, reminding us that we are fully accepted and beloved children of God, not because of our merits, but because we share the same faith that Abraham exercised. This spiritual kinship with Abraham unites believers across all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, creating a global family bound by a common faith in Jesus Christ. It challenges any form of spiritual elitism and calls us to embrace a gospel that is truly for all people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that you are a "child of Abraham by faith" impact your sense of identity and belonging in God's family?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Galatians, be tempted to add works or external requirements to faith for salvation or acceptance by God?**
* **What practical implications does this verse have for unity and diversity within the church today?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "children of Abraham" in this verse?**

Answer: Paul radically redefines "children of Abraham" from a purely physical or ethnic lineage to a spiritual one. He means that those who share Abraham's faith—his trust and belief in God's promises—are his true descendants in God's eyes, regardless of their physical heritage. This is a pivotal point in his argument that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the Mosaic Law or physical descent from Abraham. This spiritual lineage includes both Jews and Gentiles who believe, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Blessing of Abraham")).

**Why is Abraham so central to Paul's argument in Galatians?**

Answer: Abraham is central because he predates the Mosaic Law by centuries, and his righteousness was explicitly attributed to his faith, as stated in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness"). Paul uses Abraham as the ultimate biblical example to demonstrate that God's method of justification has always been through faith, not through works of the Law. By showing that even the revered patriarch of the Jewish people was justified by faith, Paul powerfully counters the Judaizers' insistence that Gentile believers must observe the Law to be saved, proving that the Law was not the original or ultimate means of salvation. He further argues that the blessing promised to Abraham was for all nations through faith ([Galatians 3:8-9](/galatians/3-8-9 "Galatians 3:8-9 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham and the Blessing by Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 3:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham through whom all the promises are realized. Paul explicitly states in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ") that the promise was made "to Abraham and to his seed," and that "He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as referring to many, but rather to one, 'And to your seed,' that is, Christ." Therefore, to be "of faith" and thus "children of Abraham" means to be united to Christ by faith. It is through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection that believers, both Jew and Gentile, are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Abraham and become recipients of the Abrahamic covenant's blessings, specifically the promise of the Spirit ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Comes to Gentiles")). Christ is the one in whom Abraham's faith finds its perfect object and its ultimate vindication, making all who believe in Him true heirs of God's grace and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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 9:7

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Romans 9:8

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Galatians 3:9

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 4:24

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.