Galatians 3:17

Authorized King James Version

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτο
G5124
this
that thing
#2
δὲ
G1161
And
but, and, etc
#3
λέγω·
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#4
διαθήκην
G1242
that the covenant
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
#5
προκεκυρωμένην
G4300
that was confirmed before
to ratify previously
#6
ὑπὸ
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
Χριστὸν
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#11
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
μετὰ
G3326
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#13
ἔτη
G2094
years
a year
#14
τετρακόσια
G5071
four hundred
four hundred
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
τριάκοντα
G5144
thirty
thirty
#17
γεγονὼς
G1096
which was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#18
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
#19
οὐκ
G3756
cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#20
ἀκυροῖ
G208
disannul
to invalidate
#21
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#22
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
καταργῆσαι
G2673
it should make
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
#24
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
ἐπαγγελίαν
G1860
the promise
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Galatians, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection