Galatians 2:21

Authorized King James Version

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
ἀθετῶ
G114
I do
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
#3
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
χάριν
G5485
the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεοῦ·
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#8
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#9
διὰ
G1223
come by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#10
νόμου
G3551
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#11
δικαιοσύνη
G1343
righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
#12
ἄρα
G686
then
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
#13
Χριστὸς
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#14
δωρεὰν
G1432
in vain
gratuitously (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἀπέθανεν
G599
is dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection