Galatians 3:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Galatians 3:12
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Chapter Context
Galatians 3 is a polemical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, faith. Written during either before or after the Jerusalem Council (c. 48-55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Gentile believers faced pressure to adopt Jewish practices for full acceptance.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Galatians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Galatians 3:12
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Analysis
And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. This verse states the fundamental incompatibility between Law and faith. 'The law is not of faith' (ho nomos ouk estin ek pisteōs, ὁ νόμος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ πίστεως)—the Law does not operate on the faith-principle; it operates on a different principle entirely. The quote from Leviticus 18:5—'The man that doeth them shall live in them' (ho poiēsas auta zēsetai en autois, ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὰ ζήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς)—reveals the Law's principle: *do* and live.
The participle 'doeth' (poiēsas, ποιήσας) is aorist, but the verb 'shall live' (zēsetai, ζήσεται) is future—the one who does the Law's commands will live. The Law promises life on condition of perfect obedience. This is the works-principle: life is earned by doing. Faith says 'believe and live' (v. 11); Law says 'do and live' (v. 12). These are mutually exclusive systems.
Paul's point: the Law cannot be fulfilled by faith because the Law demands works. The Law says nothing about believing; it says 'do.' Therefore, seeking justification through Law contradicts the faith-righteousness of verse 11. The tragedy: the Law's promise of life (Leviticus 18:5) is unattainable because no one perfectly 'does' the Law. Romans 10:5-13 develops this further—Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Historical Context
Leviticus 18:5 stands within the holiness code (Leviticus 17-26), commanding Israel to live by God's statutes and judgments as the basis for life in the Promised Land. Jewish interpretation saw this as the path to covenant blessing; Paul sees it as an unattainable standard that highlights the need for faith-righteousness. Romans 10:5 quotes this same verse, contrasting Law-righteousness (do and live) with faith-righteousness (believe and live). Ezekiel 20:11, 13, 21 also quotes Leviticus 18:5, lamenting Israel's failure to do the statutes—thus proving Paul's point: the Law's promise remains unfulfilled by works.
Reflection
- How does the Law's principle ('do and live') differ fundamentally from the gospel's principle ('believe and live')? Why are they incompatible?
- What does it reveal about human nature that no one can fulfill Leviticus 18:5's promise of life through doing the Law?
- In what ways might you be subtly operating on the 'do and live' principle in your relationship with God rather than 'believe and live'?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Faith: Romans 4:14, 4:16
- Word: Nehemiah 9:29, Matthew 19:17
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 18:5, Ezekiel 20:11, 20:13, Romans 11:6