Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
νόμῳ
the law
G3551
νόμῳ
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 16
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 16
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
δικαιοῦται
is justified
G1344
δικαιοῦται
is justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
6 of 16
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
παρὰ
in the sight
G3844
παρὰ
in the sight
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
of God
G2316
θεῷ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιος
The just
G1342
δίκαιος
The just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
13 of 16
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.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.Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Historical Context
Habakkuk 2:4 was written during Judah's Babylonian crisis (ca. 600 BC), when Habakkuk questioned God's justice in using wicked Babylon to judge Judah. God's answer: the righteous will survive by faithfulness/faith (Hebrew *emunah* can mean both). The Septuagint (Greek OT) translates this as *ek pisteōs* (by faith), which Paul adopts. Jewish interpretation emphasized Torah faithfulness; Paul emphasizes faith in Christ. Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38 all quote Habakkuk 2:4, making it foundational to New Testament soteriology—justification and sanctification are both by faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Habakkuk 2:4 ('the just shall live by faith') teach both justification by faith and sanctification by faith?
- Why is it 'evident' that no one is justified by Law in God's sight? What does this reveal about the purpose of the Law?
- In what areas of your life are you trying to 'live by works' rather than 'live by faith'? How would living by faith transform your daily walk?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. The conjunction 'but' (de, δέ) contrasts the curse of Law (v. 10) with the impossibility of justification by Law. 'No man' (oudeis, οὐδείς)—absolutely no one—'is justified' (dikaiotai, δικαιοῦται, present tense: is being declared righteous) by Law 'in the sight of God' (para tō theō, παρὰ τῷ θεῷ)—literally 'before God,' in God's tribunal. The phrase 'it is evident' (dēlon, δῆλον)—'it is clear, manifest'—introduces the scriptural proof.
The quote from Habakkuk 2:4—'The just shall live by faith' (ho dikaios ek pisteōs zēsetai, ὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται)—is the thematic verse of Romans (1:17) and Galatians. The righteous one (ho dikaios, ὁ δίκαιος) lives (zēsetai, ζήσεται, future tense) 'by faith' (ek pisteōs, ἐκ πίστεως)—faith is the source and sphere of life. The verb 'live' means both spiritual life now and eternal life to come. Faith, not Law-works, is the principle of life for the righteous.
Paul's argument: Habakkuk declares that the righteous live by faith; therefore, righteousness itself must come by faith, not Law. The Law cannot justify because it demands works (v. 12), whereas Scripture declares faith is the principle of righteousness. This verse anchors Protestant theology: justification (being declared righteous) is by faith alone, and the justified live by ongoing faith, not works.