Galatians 2:21
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Original Language Analysis
ἀθετῶ
I do
G114
ἀθετῶ
I do
Strong's:
G114
Word #:
2 of 15
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the grace
G5485
χάριν
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
come by
G1223
διὰ
come by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
10 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
11 of 15
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
12 of 15
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
Cross References
Romans 11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.Galatians 3:21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.Hebrews 7:11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?1 Corinthians 15:14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.Galatians 2:16Knowing 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.Isaiah 49:4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.1 Corinthians 15:2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Historical Context
The early church faced intense pressure to compromise the gospel by adding circumcision to faith. Jewish believers risked family rejection and persecution for abandoning law-keeping. It would have been easy to find a middle way—"faith plus small obediences." But Paul saw that any addition to Christ's work implicitly declares it insufficient, making His death futile. This uncompromising stance preserved the gospel of grace for all future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious performances or moral achievements are you adding to Christ's finished work, thereby frustrating grace?
- How does the reality that Christ's death was either necessary or pointless (no middle ground) clarify your understanding of salvation?
- In what ways does your life demonstrate whether you're resting in Christ's sufficient work or striving to supplement it with your own efforts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. The emphatic ouk athetō (οὐκ ἀθετῶ, "I do not nullify/set aside") opens Paul's conclusion—atheteō (ἀθετέω) means to reject, set aside, declare invalid. The object: tēn charin tou theou (τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ, "the grace of God"). By maintaining justification by faith alone, Paul honors grace; the Judaizers, by adding law-works, frustrate (nullify, make void) God's grace. If works contribute anything to justification, grace is no longer grace (Romans 11:6).
The devastating alternative: ei gar dia nomou dikaiosynē (εἰ γὰρ διὰ νόμου δικαιοσύνη, "if through law righteousness comes"), then ara Christos dōrean apethanen (ἄρα Χριστὸς δωρεὰν ἀπέθανεν, "then Christ died for nothing/in vain"). The adverb dōrean (δωρεάν) means without cause, needlessly, to no purpose—if law-keeping could produce the righteousness (dikaiosynē, δικαιοσύνη) God requires, Christ's death was unnecessary, a cosmic waste, divine foolishness.
This verse presents the starkest either-or in Scripture: either righteousness comes through law (making Christ's death pointless), or it comes through Christ's death (making law-works irrelevant for justification). There's no synthesis, no middle position. Adding any human work to Christ's finished work doesn't supplement grace—it nullifies it. Paul's entire argument comes to this: honor grace by resting in Christ alone, or frustrate grace by trusting in yourself—but you cannot do both.