Galatians 3:28

Authorized King James Version

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

neither

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔνι

G1762

There is

impersonally, there is in or among

Ἰουδαῖος

G2453

Jew

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

οὐδὲ

G3761

nor

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

Ἕλλην

G1672

Greek

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

οὐκ

G3756

neither

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔνι

G1762

There is

impersonally, there is in or among

δοῦλος

G1401

bond

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

οὐδὲ

G3761

nor

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

#10

ἐλεύθερος

G1658

free

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

#11

οὐκ

G3756

neither

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#12

ἔνι

G1762

There is

impersonally, there is in or among

#13

ἄρσεν

G730

male

male (as stronger for lifting)

#14

καὶ

G2532

nor

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

θῆλυ·

G2338

female

#16

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#17

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#18

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#19

εἷς

G1520

one

#20

ἐστε

G2075

are

ye are

#21

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#22

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

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

#23

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

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

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Colossians 3:11 Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
— Neither Greek nor Jew
² 1 Corinthians 12:13 1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
— All baptized into one body

Analysis

Within the broader context of Galatians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Galatians.

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 salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Galatians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?