Galatians 2:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδότες
Knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
Knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 38
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 38
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
G1344
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
4 of 38
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 38
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 38
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 38
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 38
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 38
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πίστεως
the faith
G4102
πίστεως
the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
12 of 38
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 38
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 38
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
19 of 38
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐπιστεύσαμεν
have believed
G4100
ἐπιστεύσαμεν
have believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
20 of 38
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
G1344
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
22 of 38
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
23 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
the faith
G4102
πίστεως
the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
24 of 38
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
28 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
29 of 38
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
30 of 38
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
G1344
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
33 of 38
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
34 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
35 of 38
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Philippians 3:9And 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 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Romans 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.Romans 4:2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Romans 3:30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.2 Peter 1:1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Historical Context
This statement overturned centuries of Jewish self-understanding. Torah observance was how Jews maintained covenant relationship with God. Paul insists the law was never meant to justify but to reveal sin (Romans 3:20). Christ's perfect obedience and atoning death accomplished what the law demanded but could never produce—complete righteousness credited to believers through faith. This doctrine sparked the Reformation 1,400 years later.
Questions for Reflection
- What "works of law" are you tempted to trust in for acceptance with God rather than resting in Christ's finished work?
- How does the complete exclusion of works from justification protect both God's holiness and our assurance?
- What difference should the truth that "no flesh" can be justified by works make in how you view yourself and other believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse is the theological heart of Galatians, stated with threefold emphasis. The participle eidotes (εἰδότες, "knowing") indicates settled conviction. The passive verb dikaioutai anthrōpos (δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος, "a man is justified") uses dikaioō (δικαιόω)—forensic declaration of righteousness, God's verdict of "not guilty."
The contrast is absolute: ouk...ex ergōn nomou (οὐκ...ἐξ ἔργων νόμου, "not from works of law") versus dia pisteōs Iēsou Christou (διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, "through faith of/in Jesus Christ"). The prepositional shift—ek (ἐκ, from/out of) versus dia (διά, through/by means of)—shows law-works cannot be the source, only faith in Christ. The phrase pistis Iēsou Christou can mean "faith in Jesus Christ" (objective genitive) or "the faithfulness of Jesus Christ" (subjective genitive)—likely both: we trust in the faithful work of Christ.
The climactic conclusion: ex ergōn nomou ou dikaiōthēsetai pasa sarx (ἐξ ἔργων νόμου οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σάρξ, "by works of law shall no flesh be justified"), quoting Psalm 143:2. Pasa sarx (πᾶσα σάρξ, "all flesh") is universal—no human being, whether Jew or Gentile, achieves right standing with God through law-keeping. Justification is by faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone.