Galatians 3:22
What does Galatians 3:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 3:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 3:22 means
Paul states that Scripture has shut everything up under sin’s power. This universal indictment ensures that the only way to receive what God promised is by faith in Jesus Christ, given to those who believe. The law and Scripture do not offer multiple paths; they drive all to one door: faith in Christ. This levels all distinctions—Jew and Gentile alike stand guilty—so that all may be saved by the same grace. The promise is not earned; it is granted. Believing in Jesus is how the imprisoned are released and how the guilty are counted righteous before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949However, the holy Writings have put all things under sin, so that that for which God gave the undertaking, based on faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who have such faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but the Writing did shut up the whole under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ may be given to those believing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise, by the faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to them that believe.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but the scripture has shut up all things under sin, that the promise, on the principle of faith of Jesus Christ, should be given to those that believe.
Context
Verse 22 follows verse 21’s affirmation that the law isn’t against the promises but cannot give life. Here Scripture’s verdict is universal condemnation under sin, setting the stage for a faith-based reception of the promise. Verses 23–25 will depict life under the law as confinement under a guardian until faith came, explaining the temporary, preparatory role of the law. This prepares for the climactic identity statements in verses 26–29, where believers are sons of God and heirs in Christ, apart from the law.
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.
v.22This passage
v.23But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.
- 2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
- Romans 3:23
for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
- John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.
- 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.
- Psalms 143:2
And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous.
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