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Galatians 2:16

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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.

Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} a man {G444} is {G1344} not {G3756} justified {G1344} by {G1537} the works {G2041} of the law {G3551}, but {G3362} by {G1223} the faith {G4102} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, even {G2532} we {G2249} have believed {G4100} in {G1519} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, that {G2443} we might be justified {G1344} by {G1537} the faith {G4102} of Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} not {G3756} by {G1537} the works {G2041} of the law {G3551}: for {G1360} by {G1537} the works {G2041} of the law {G3551} shall {G1344} no {G3756}{G3956} flesh {G4561} be justified {G1344}.

even so, we have come to realize that a person is not declared righteous by God on the ground of his legalistic observance of Torah commands, but through the Messiah Yeshua’s trusting faithfulness. Therefore, we too have put our trust in Messiah Yeshua and become faithful to him, in order that we might be declared righteous on the ground of the Messiah’s trusting faithfulness and not on the ground of our legalistic observance of Torah commands. For on the ground of legalistic observance of Torah commands, no one will be declared righteous.

know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Commentary

Galatians 2:16 is a foundational verse that encapsulates the Apostle Paul's central argument for justification by faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by adherence to the Mosaic Law. It boldly declares the insufficiency of human effort and legal obedience for achieving a right standing with God.

Context of Galatians 2:16

This powerful statement comes amidst Paul's recounting of his confrontation with Peter (Cephas) in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter, initially eating with Gentile believers, withdrew when certain Jewish believers from Jerusalem arrived, fearing criticism from those who insisted on strict adherence to the Jewish law. Paul saw this as hypocrisy and a compromise of the Gospel truth. In essence, Peter's actions implied that Gentile believers needed to adopt Jewish customs (like circumcision or dietary laws) to be fully accepted, undermining the universal message of grace. Verse 16 directly addresses this core theological conflict: how one is made righteous before God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Justification by Faith Alone: The verse emphatically states that "a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ." This is the cornerstone of Paul's theology and a core tenet of the Christian faith. To be "justified" (Greek: dikaioō) means to be declared righteous, acquitted, and brought into a right relationship with God. This divine declaration is not earned by human merit or obedience to rules, but is a gift received through faith in Christ.
  • Inadequacy of the Law: Paul reiterates twice that "by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." The law, while holy and good, was given to reveal sin and to lead people to Christ, not to provide salvation (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:24). No one can perfectly keep the law, and therefore, it cannot justify.
  • The Centrality of Christ: The emphasis is on "the faith of Jesus Christ" – typically understood as faith in Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection are the basis for our justification, and our faith in Him is the means by which we receive this gift. It is His finished work, not ours, that saves.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "justified," dikaioō, means to declare righteous, to make righteous, or to put in a right relationship. It's a legal and relational term, signifying a favorable verdict from God. The phrase "works of the law" refers specifically to the commandments and rituals of the Mosaic covenant, which some Jewish Christians believed were still necessary for salvation or full acceptance within the Christian community.

Practical Application

Galatians 2:16 offers immense freedom and assurance to believers today. It underscores that our salvation and standing with God are not dependent on our performance, religious rituals, or adherence to a rigid set of rules. Instead, they rest solely on God's grace and our faith in Jesus Christ. This truth liberates us from the burden of legalism and striving for perfection, allowing us to live in gratitude and love, motivated by Christ's sacrifice, not by fear of judgment. It calls us to trust fully in Christ's righteousness rather than our own efforts, leading to genuine peace and a deeper relationship with God (Romans 5:1).

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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

  • Philippians 3:9 (20 votes)

    ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

  • Psalms 143:2 (13 votes)

    And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

  • 1 Peter 1:18 (11 votes)

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 1:21 (11 votes)

    Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

  • Romans 3:19 (11 votes)

    ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

  • Romans 3:28 (11 votes)

    Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

  • Romans 9:30 (11 votes)

    ¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.