Galatians 3:20
What does Galatians 3:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 3:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 3:20 means
Paul observes that a mediator works between parties, which implies plurality, but God is one. The point is that the promise to Abraham came directly from the one God, without a go-between, signaling its supremacy and unity of purpose. By contrast, the law’s mediated character marks it as subordinate. This does not demean the law; it places it in proper relation to the promise. God’s single, unilateral promise carries a weight and certainty the mediated law does not. Therefore, believers should cling to the promise as the primary instrument of God’s saving plan, fulfilled in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now a go-between is not a go-between of one; but God is one.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the mediator is not of one, and God is one--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now a mediator is not of one: but God is one.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a mediator is not of one, butGod is one.
Context
This brief but dense remark follows verse 19’s statement about the law’s mediated, temporary nature. By stressing that “God is one,” Paul highlights the directness and unity of the promise to Abraham. This frames the next question in verse 21: Is the law in conflict with God’s promises? He will answer no. Verses 21–22 will clarify that the law cannot give life or righteousness; instead, Scripture has confined all under sin so that the promise is granted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ.
v.19What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
v.20This passage
v.21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 17:1
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
- Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
- 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
- Galatians 3:17
Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul, so as to make the promise of none effect.
- Hebrews 8:6
But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.
- Acts 12:20
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s country.
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