Galatians 2:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰδότες
Knowing
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#3
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#4
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#5
ἄνθρωπος
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#6
ἐξ
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
ἔργων
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#8
νόμου
of the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#9
ἐὰν
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#10
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#11
διὰ
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#12
πίστεως
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#13
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#14
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἡμεῖς
we
we (only used when emphatic)
#17
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#19
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#20
ἐπιστεύσαμεν
have believed
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
#21
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#22
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#23
ἐξ
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#24
πίστεως
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#25
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#26
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#28
ἐξ
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#29
ἔργων
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#30
νόμου
of the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#31
διότι
for
on the very account that, or inasmuch as
#32
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#33
δικαιωθήσεται
be justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#34
ἐξ
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#35
ἔργων
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#36
νόμου
of the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#37
πᾶσα
all, any, every, the whole
#38
σάρξ
flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection