What does Galatians 3:17 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 3:17 presents a theological argument concerning the relationship between the Law (given through Moses) and the promises God made to Abraham.

The Apostle Paul asserts that the covenant God established with Abraham was based on a promise and that this covenant was not invalidated by the Law, which came 430 years later.

The main point is that the promise to Abraham and his offspring about becoming a great nation and a source of blessing was made long before the Law, and therefore the Law cannot nullify the promise.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter from Paul to the Galatian churches, which were grappling with Judaizers, Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision.

Galatians is typically dated to around 49-55 AD.

Paul wrote this letter to address this controversy and to elaborate on themes of faith, grace, and freedom in Christ as opposed to legalistic adherence to the Jewish Law.

Theological Insights

The verse in question touches on several theological themes.

The first is the doctrine of grace versus law; it contrasts the idea that salvation comes through faith in God’s promise, as opposed to adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Secondly, it speaks to the continuity of God’s plan: the Law served a purpose that did not contradict the promise but operated alongside it until the coming of Christ.

Thirdly, it alludes to the superiority of the promises made to Abraham, which find their fulfillment in Jesus, over the Law.

Practical Applications

Practically, Galatians 3:17 suggests that faith in God's promises is essential and supersedes legalistic practices.

It calls for a reliance on divine grace through faith in Jesus Christ rather than seeking justification through following religious regulations.

In daily life, this can foster freedom from the guilt and burden of trying to earn salvation through good works and encourages living in the liberty obtained through faith in Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 4:14: "For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:"
• Exodus 12:40-41: "Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years."
• Galatians 3:8: "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."
• Galatians 3:29: "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek are:

• "diatheke" (διαθήκη): Usually translated as "covenant," it can also mean a will or testament.
• "prokuroo" (προκυρόω): Means "to confirm before" or "to previously ratify."
• "nomos" (νόμος): Refers to "law," most often the Law of Moses in the context of the New Testament.
• "katargeo" (καταργέω): Translated as "disannul," it can mean to render inactive, abolish, or nullify.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons might be made to other ancient near eastern legal traditions, which included covenants and laws that regulated religious and community life.

In these cultures, legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, coexisted with religious covenants.

It's also interesting to compare the Hebrew concept of covenant, which is based on a relationship between God and His chosen people, with other religious traditions' understandings of divine-human relationships.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific views typically do not directly intersect with the theological assertions in this verse.

However, it's worth noting that archaeological studies have provided insights into the historical reliability of the time period mentioned (430 years) and the cultures of the ancient Near East.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators provide varying insights into Galatians 3:17:

• John Stott emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's promise and plan.
• Martin Luther focused on the verse's implications for the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
• N.T.

Wright considers the historical background and argues about the role of the Law in Paul's theology.

Wright also places the Pauline message within the larger narrative of Israel's history.

• The Geneva Bible notes explain the importance of the chronology and the relationship between the promise and the Law.