Galatians 3:13
What does Galatians 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 3:13 means
Paul proclaims the heart of the gospel: Christ redeemed us from the law’s curse by bearing it Himself. His death on the cross—described as hanging on a tree—placed Him under the curse associated with lawbreaking, though He was sinless. In doing so, He took our place, satisfying the law’s demands and freeing us from its condemnation. Redemption here means a costly purchase out of slavery and judgment. The cross is not an accident but God’s plan to remove the curse that our failures under the law deserved. In Christ, the penalty has been borne, and the door to blessing is opened.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Christ has made us free from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us: because it is said in the Writings, A curse on everyone who is put to death by hanging on a tree:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Christ did redeem us from the curse of the law, having become for us a curse, for it hath been written, `Cursed is every one who is hanging on a tree,'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us (for it is written: Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree).
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Christ has redeemed us out of the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed [is] every one hanged upon a tree,)
Context
Verses 10–12 established the problem: reliance on the law leads to a curse because no one keeps it perfectly, and justification comes by faith, not by law. Verse 13 introduces the solution—Christ’s substitutionary death bearing the curse. Verse 14 will give the purpose and result of this redemption: the blessing of Abraham reaches the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, and believers receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith, not through law observance. Together, these verses bridge Abraham’s blessing and the Christian experience of the Spirit.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.
- Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.
- Galatians 4:5
that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
- Romans 9:3
For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
- Romans 3:24
being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
- Joshua 10:26
And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.
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