Galatians 3:21

Authorized King James Version

Is 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
οὖν
G3767
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
νόμου
G3551
Is 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
κατὰ
G2596
against
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#5
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐπαγγελιῶν
G1860
the promises
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
#7
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
μὴ
G3361
God forbid
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#10
γένοιτο
G1096
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#12
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#13
ἐδόθη
G1325
given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#14
νόμου
G3551
Is the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#15
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
δυνάμενος
G1410
could
to be able or possible
#17
ζῳοποιῆσαι
G2227
have given life
to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)
#18
ὄντως
G3689
verily
really
#19
ἂν
G302
should
whatsoever
#20
ἐκ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#21
νόμου
G3551
Is the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#22
ἦν
G2258
have been
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#23
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
δικαιοσύνη·
G1343
righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection