Galatians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
νόμος
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
#4
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#6
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
πίστεως
G4102
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#8
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#9
Ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ποιήσας
G4160
that doeth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#11
αὐτοῖς
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#12
ἄνθρωπος
G444
The man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#13
ζήσεται
G2198
shall live
to live (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
αὐτοῖς
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Galatians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Galatians.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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