What does Galatians 3:20 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 3:20, which states, "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one," is somewhat cryptic and requires careful interpretation.

In its simplest form, this verse is contrasting the roles of a mediator and God. A mediator is someone who intervenes between two parties, often to facilitate a covenant or agreement.

The verse seems to assert that while a mediator deals with multiple parties, God Himself is singular; there is no need for an intermediary for God to enact His promises or covenants.

This verse is often interpreted in the larger context of Paul's argument in Galatians that the covenant God made with Abraham, which was based on faith, is superior to the law given through Moses, which required a mediator.

Historical Context

Galatians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul in the first century AD, primarily to the churches in Galatia, a region of modern-day Turkey. During this time, the early Christian community was grappling with its Jewish heritage and the inclusion of Gentiles.

Some Jewish Christian teachers, known as Judaizers, insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity needed to abide by the Jewish Law, including circumcision.

Paul wrote to the Galatians to refute these claims and to emphasize that faith in Christ, not adherence to the Law, was necessary for salvation.

This verse comes into that larger argument, speaking to the nature of God's covenant with humanity.

Theological Insights

The theological insight from Galatians 3:20 rests on the concept of mediation.

From a Christian perspective, the Law of Moses required a mediator, Moses himself, because it involved multiple parties: God and the Israelites. It implies the complexity and the conditional aspects of this covenant.

However, with God being one, it suggests His direct involvement in the promises made to Abraham, highlighting the unmediated and unconditional aspect of God's promise through faith.

In broader Christian theology, this also hints at the New Testament belief in Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humans, something that overcomes the complexities of the older covenant.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Galatians 3:20 encourages believers to trust in God's direct involvement in their lives rather than relying on rituals or adherence to law as a way to God.

It also encourages unity in the understanding of God’s nature and His relationship with us, especially in the context of diverse Christian communities.

It can serve as a reminder that one does not need to "earn" God's favor through legalistic practices; instead, one can rely on the foundation of faith.

Cross-References

• 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."
• 1 Timothy 2:5 , "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
• Hebrews 8:6 , "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
• Hebrews 9:15 , "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
• Hebrews 12:24 , "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this passage carry significant meaning.

The word for "mediator" (μεσίτης, mesitēs) implies a go-between or an intermediary.

The phrase “not a mediator of one” (οὐκ ἔστιν μεσίτης ἑνός, ouk estin mesitēs henos) suggests that a mediator inherently involves more than one party.

The Greek word for "one" (εἷς, heis) underscores the oneness or unity of God, indicating singularity and indivisibility. Paul's precise language here serves to draw a clear distinction between the complex nature of a mediated covenant and the simple, unified nature of God's promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Galatians 3:20 to other ancient cultural or religious texts might involve looking at how different religions understand the concept of intermediaries between the divine and humans.

For example, in ancient Greek religion, there were many demi-gods or heroes who acted as mediators between the gods and humanity.

In contrast, the monotheistic nature of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam tends to minimize the number of mediators, emphasizing a more direct relationship with the singular deity.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse in question doesn't directly intersect with scientific inquiry, modern discussions about the intersection of science and religion might use the verse to talk about the unity and singularity of God as a metaphor for the search for a unified theory in physics.

Additionally, as psychology and social sciences study the effects of religious beliefs on human behavior, this verse might provide a perspective on the psychological impact of believing in a direct, unmediated relationship with a divine being.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Galatians 3:20 offer various insights into its meaning.

Some suggest that Paul is contrasting the Law, which served as a temporary measure and required a mediator, with the direct promise given by God.

Others focus on the theological implications of God's oneness, reinforcing monotheism and the distinctiveness of Christian belief in one God over polytheistic beliefs.

Still others see in this passage a hint of the Christological aspect, interpreting the "one" not just as a reference to the oneness of God but also as a foreshadowing of the one mediator in the New Testament, Jesus Christ.

Overall, commentaries agree that this verse plays a crucial role in Paul's argument against the Judaizers and in establishing the primacy of faith over the Law.