Galatians 3:24

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὥστε
G5620
Wherefore
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
νόμος
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
#4
παιδαγωγὸς
G3807
schoolmaster
a boy-leader, i.e., a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication, (figuratively) a tutor ("paedagogue"))
#5
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#6
γέγονεν
G1096
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#7
εἰς
G1519
to bring us unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
Χριστόν
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
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
#11
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
#12
δικαιωθῶμεν·
G1344
we might be justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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