Devine Scripture

Galatians 2:19

What does Galatians 2:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 2:19 means

Paul says that through the law he died to the law, so that he might live to God. The Law, by revealing sin and demanding perfection, leads to the recognition of death under its curse. In Christ’s death, that sentence is carried out, and the believer, united with Him, is released from the Law as a covenant of works. The goal is not lawlessness but true life unto God, now animated by grace rather than driven by fear. Death to the law’s condemning power is the doorway to a new obedience springing from gratitude and the Spirit’s work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I, through the law, have become dead to the law, so that I might be living to God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I through law, did die, that to God I may live;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I, through the law, am dead to the law, that I may live to God; with Christ I am nailed to the cross.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I, through law, have died to law, that I may live toGod.

Context

After warning against rebuilding the Law as a basis for righteousness, Paul explains the decisive break: the believer has died to the Law’s jurisdiction in Christ. This opens to the profound confession of verse 20 about being crucified with Christ and living by faith in the Son of God. Verse 21 will then draw the unavoidable implication: to seek righteousness through the Law would nullify grace and render Christ’s death pointless.

v.18For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor.

v.19This passage

v.20I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10

    who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

  • Romans 14:7

    For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself.

  • Hebrews 9:14

    how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • Romans 7:14

    For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

  • Romans 4:15

    for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

  • 1 Peter 4:6

    For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

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