Galatians 3:22
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
συνέκλεισεν
hath concluded
G4788
συνέκλεισεν
hath concluded
Strong's:
G4788
Word #:
2 of 18
to shut together, i.e., include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 18
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 18
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 (
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελία
the promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελία
the promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
11 of 18
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
13 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
δοθῇ
might be given
G1325
δοθῇ
might be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
16 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
Romans 11:32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Galatians 3:23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Acts 16:31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Historical Context
Romans 3:9-20 parallels this verse: 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' The Law's purpose was to reveal and confine humanity under sin's dominion, eliminating any claim to self-righteousness. This universal diagnosis (Jew and Gentile alike are sinners under God's judgment) prepares for the universal remedy: justification by faith in Christ (Romans 3:21-26). Scripture's 'imprisoning all under sin' refers especially to passages like Deuteronomy 27:26 (quoted in Galatians 3:10), Psalm 143:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:10-18—texts proving universal human sinfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that 'scripture concluded all under sin'? How does the Law's revelation of universal sinfulness prepare us for the gospel?
- How does God's purpose in imprisoning all under sin (so that salvation is by faith alone) demonstrate His grace and wisdom?
- In what ways might you be trying to escape Scripture's verdict that you are 'under sin' apart from Christ, needing salvation by faith alone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. The conjunction 'but' (alla, ἀλλά) contrasts verse 21's negative (Law can't give life) with verse 22's purpose. 'The scripture hath concluded' (synekleisen hē graphē, συνέκλεισεν ἡ γραφή)—'shut up, imprisoned, confined'—the aorist verb indicates a decisive historical action. Scripture personified (as in v. 8) has locked up all humanity 'under sin' (hypo hamartian, ὑπὸ ἁμαρτίαν)—in sin's prison, under sin's authority. The word 'all' (ta panta, τὰ πάντα)—'all things, all people'—is emphatic: Jew and Gentile, circumcised and uncircumcised, Law-keeper and pagan—all without exception are imprisoned under sin.
The purpose clause: 'that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe' (hina hē epangelia ek pisteōs Iēsou Christou dothē tois pisteuousin, ἵνα ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοθῇ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν). God's purpose in imprisoning all under sin was gracious: so that the promise (righteousness, Spirit, life) would be received by faith alone, in Christ alone, by all who believe—Jew and Gentile equally. The genitive 'by faith of Jesus Christ' could mean 'faith in Jesus Christ' (objective genitive) or 'the faithfulness of Jesus Christ' (subjective genitive)—both are true and complementary.
This verse culminates Paul's argument: the Law's function was to imprison humanity under sin, forcing all to look outside themselves for salvation—to the promise fulfilled in Christ, received by faith. Universal sinfulness (Romans 3:9-23) leads to universal salvation-offer by grace through faith (Romans 3:21-26). No human merit, no works-righteousness—only faith in Christ.