Galatians 3:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω·
I say
G3004
λέγω·
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
διαθήκην
that the covenant
G1242
διαθήκην
that the covenant
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 25
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 (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γεγονὼς
which was
G1096
γεγονὼς
which was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
17 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
νόμος
the law
G3551
νόμος
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
18 of 25
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταργῆσαι
it should make
G2673
καταργῆσαι
it should make
Strong's:
G2673
Word #:
23 of 25
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Genesis 15:13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their's, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;Romans 3:3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?2 Corinthians 1:20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.Isaiah 14:27For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?Colossians 2:4And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.Galatians 3:15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.Galatians 5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Historical Context
The 430 years spans from God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, ca. 2091 BC; or Genesis 15, ca. 2081 BC) to the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19-20, ca. 1446 BC). Exodus 12:40-41 also mentions 430 years from Abraham's entry into Canaan to the Exodus. Paul's point: the chronology matters theologically. The gospel (promise, faith, blessing) predates the Law by over four centuries; therefore, the Law cannot be the basis of justification. The Judaizers reversed this, treating the Law as foundational; Paul restores chronological and theological priority to the promise.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the 430-year gap between the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic Law theologically significant for Paul's argument?
- How does the principle that 'later legislation cannot annul earlier covenants' apply to the relationship between Law and promise?
- In what ways do Christians today mistakenly allow 'the Law' (rules, regulations, religious duties) to nullify the promise-gospel of grace through faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul now states the conclusion of his legal analogy. 'This I say' (touto de legō, τοῦτο δὲ λέγω) introduces the decisive point. 'The covenant, that was confirmed before of God' (diathēkēn prokekyrōmenēn hypo tou theou, διαθήκην προκεκυρωμένην ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ)—the perfect passive participle emphasizes the covenant's permanent, divinely ratified status before the Law came.
'In Christ' (eis Christon, εἰς Χριστόν) indicates the covenant's goal and fulfillment—the Abrahamic covenant was always about Christ (v. 16). 'The law, which was four hundred and thirty years after' (ho meta tetrakosia kai triakonta etē gegonōs nomos, ὁ μετὰ τετρακόσια καὶ τριάκοντα ἔτη γεγονὼς νόμος)—the Law's late arrival, centuries after Abraham, proves it cannot alter the covenant. The verb 'disannul' (akyroi, ἀκυροῖ) means 'invalidate, nullify'—the Law cannot cancel the Abrahamic promise.
The purpose clause 'that it should make the promise of none effect' (eis to katargēsai tēn epangelian, εἰς τὸ καταργῆσαι τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν) states what cannot happen: the Law cannot abolish the promise. Paul's logic is devastating—the promise preceded the Law by 430 years; therefore, the promise stands independent of the Law. Justification is by promise-faith (Abraham), not Law-works (Moses).