Galatians Chapter 3 · Verse 23

Authorized King James Version

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But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Original Language Analysis

Πρὸ before G4253
Πρὸ before
Strong's: G4253
Word #: 1 of 15
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 3 of 15
but, and, etc
ἐλθεῖν came G2064
ἐλθεῖν came
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 4 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν faith G4102
πίστιν faith
Strong's: G4102
Word #: 6 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ὑπὸ under G5259
ὑπὸ under
Strong's: G5259
Word #: 7 of 15
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 (
νόμον the law G3551
νόμον the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 8 of 15
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἐφρουρούμεθα we were kept G5432
ἐφρουρούμεθα we were kept
Strong's: G5432
Word #: 9 of 15
to be a watcher in advance, i.e., to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect
συγκεκλεισμένοι shut up G4788
συγκεκλεισμένοι shut up
Strong's: G4788
Word #: 10 of 15
to shut together, i.e., include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to
εἰς unto G1519
εἰς unto
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 11 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλουσαν which should afterwards G3195
μέλλουσαν which should afterwards
Strong's: G3195
Word #: 13 of 15
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
πίστιν faith G4102
πίστιν faith
Strong's: G4102
Word #: 14 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἀποκαλυφθῆναι be revealed G601
ἀποκαλυφθῆναι be revealed
Strong's: G601
Word #: 15 of 15
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

Analysis & Commentary

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. The phrase 'before faith came' (pro tou elthein tēn pistin, πρὸ τοῦ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν) refers to the pre-Christian era, before Christ came and faith-righteousness was fully revealed. 'We' (hēmeis, ἡμεῖς) primarily means Jewish believers, though applicable to all. The verb 'were kept' (ephrouroumetha, ἐφρουρούμεθα)—imperfect tense, 'we were being guarded'—is a military term for garrisoning or guarding a city. The Law kept Israel under protective custody, like soldiers guarding prisoners.

'Under the law' (hypo nomon, ὑπὸ νόμον) indicates the Law's jurisdiction—Israel lived under the Law's authority and restraint. The phrase 'shut up' (synkleiomenoi, συγκλειόμενοι)—present participle, 'being imprisoned'—intensifies the image: the Law confined Israel, preventing escape until faith arrived. The purpose: 'unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed' (eis tēn mellousan pistin apokalyphthēnai, εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι). The participle 'should afterwards be revealed' (apokalyphthēnai, ἀποκαλυφθῆναι) is aorist passive infinitive—faith was destined to be unveiled at the appointed time.

Paul portrays the Law as a temporary prison guard, holding Israel in custody until the faith-era dawned with Christ. This imagery prepares for the 'schoolmaster' metaphor in verse 24. The Law's function was custodial and preparatory, not salvific. It restrained Israel, revealed sin, and pointed forward to the coming faith-revelation in Christ.

Historical Context

The period 'before faith came' spans from Moses (ca. 1446 BC, giving of the Law) to Christ (ca. 4 BC birth, AD 30 crucifixion/resurrection). During this 1,400-year era, Israel lived 'under law'—governed by the Mosaic covenant with its commandments, sacrifices, and ceremonies. This system was temporary, serving a guardian function until 'the fullness of time' when God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). The revelation of faith-righteousness, anticipated in the prophets (Habakkuk 2:4, quoted in Galatians 3:11), was fully unveiled in Christ's person and work.

Questions for Reflection