Galatians 3:22

Authorized King James Version

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

συνέκλεισεν

G4788

hath concluded

to shut together, i.e., include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γραφὴ

G1124

the scripture

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

ὑπὸ

G5259

under

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 (

ἁμαρτίαν

G266

sin

a sin (properly abstract)

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#10

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

ἐπαγγελία

G1860

the promise

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

#12

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#13

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

#14

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

of Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#15

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#16

δοθῇ

G1325

might be given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#17

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

πιστεύουσιν

G4100

to them that believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Galatians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?