Galatians 3:9

Authorized King James Version

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

So then

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκ

G1537

they which be of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

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

εὐλογοῦνται

G2127

are blessed

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστῷ

G4103

faithful

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

Ἀβραάμ

G11

Abraham

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. 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 relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does this verse's literary context within Galatians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?