Galatians 3:23

Authorized King James Version

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

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. 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 saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection