What does Galatians 3:18 mean?

Explanation

[Galatians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A18&version=KJV), from the King James Version of the Bible, is a verse wherein the Apostle Paul is discussing the distinction between the Law (referring to the Mosaic Law or the law given to Moses) and the promise (referring to the covenant that God made with Abraham).

The verse emphasizes the point that if the inheritance of blessings and salvation were based on the law, then it would not be based on the promise.

However, God gave Abraham this inheritance by promise, not by the Law, which came 430 years later.

Through this verse, Paul is drawing a contrast between the works of the law and the grace that comes through faith, underlining the concept that salvation is a gift from God and not something earned by following the law.

Historical Context

Galatians was written by Paul to the churches in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey, around 49-58 AD. During this time, there was a theological dispute in the early Christian Church concerning Gentile converts and whether they were required to follow the Jewish law to be true Christians.

Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles should observe the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, dietary laws, and other traditional Jewish customs. Paul wrote to clarify that faith in Christ, not adherence to the Law, is the true path to righteousness.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians have debated and interpreted this verse in various ways.

One perspective is the Lutheran and Reformed viewpoint, which sees this verse as a foundational proof for the doctrine of Sola Fide, meaning "faith alone." It suggests that God's promises are received through faith and not through the works of the Law.

In contrast, Roman Catholic theology emphasizes that while the Law does not save, it can be a guide for Christians in living a life that is pleasing to God, and that good works, while not the basis of salvation, are the fruit of faith.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, [Galatians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A18&version=KJV) encourages believers to rely on the promises of God rather than their own ability to uphold the law.

This verse serves as a reminder that one's relationship with God is founded on faith and grace. It can lead to a sense of freedom and peace, understanding that God's love and inheritance are not conditional upon perfect adherence to rules, but on His promises and faithfulness.

Cross-References

Here are verses related to Galatians 3:18 (KJV):

• Romans 4:13: "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• Hebrews 11:8-9: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek language of [Galatians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A18&version=KJV) include:

• "Inheritance" (κληρονομία - klēronomia): meaning a heritage or a possession received.
• "Law" (νόμος - nomos): referring typically to the Mosaic Law.
• "Promise" (ἐπαγγελία - epangelia): referring to the covenant or pledge made by God.

The distinction between "nomos" and "epangelia" is significant in understanding how adherence to law differs from receiving a promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of the ancient Near East, making covenants or promises was a common practice.

The Abrahamic covenant can be compared to royal grants in the Ancient Near East, where a king promises to reward a subject based solely upon the subject's past loyalty.

This can be juxtaposed against suzerain treaties, which are more similar to the Mosaic Law with conditional blessings based on the subject's future obedience.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not directly intersect with the religious and theological concepts discussed in [Galatians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A18&version=KJV).

However, psychological studies on belief systems could potentially explore how the dichotomy between law-based and promise-based religious frameworks affects individuals' behavior and mindset.

Commentaries

Different Biblical scholars and theologians offer varying interpretations of [Galatians 3:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A18&version=KJV).

Martin Luther argued passionately that this verse validated the principle that faith, not works, justifies a believer.

John Calvin focused on the continuity of God's plan of salvation through faith from Abraham to Christ, while the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes that the promise to Abraham came by grace and precluded the law that came afterwards.

These commentaries revolve around the central theme that faith is the key component in obtaining God's promises.