Galatians 3:7
What does Galatians 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 3:7 means
From Abraham’s example, Paul draws a clear conclusion: those who live by faith are the real sons of Abraham. Spiritual kinship is defined not by bloodline or external markers, but by sharing Abraham’s trusting response to God. This redefines family identity. To be Abraham’s child is to be in the line of promise and blessing. For the Galatians, especially Gentiles, this is liberating: they need not adopt the law to belong to God’s people. Their faith unites them to Abraham and to the righteousness he received. The family resemblance is not ceremony but confidence in God’s promise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be certain, then, that those who are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862know ye, then, that those of faith--these are sons of Abraham,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Know ye, therefore, that they who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Know then that they that are on the principle of faith, these are Abraham's sons;
Context
Building on verse 6’s declaration about Abraham’s faith being credited as righteousness, verse 7 applies the principle to the Galatians. Verses 8–9 will further confirm that Scripture foresaw Gentile inclusion through faith and that all who believe share in Abraham’s blessing. This sets up a stark contrast with those who rely on the law in verses 10–12. Paul’s strategy is to establish faith as the true marker of God’s people before dealing with the law’s curse and Christ’s redeeming work in verses 13–14.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 8:39
They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
- Psalms 100:3
Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
- Romans 9:7
neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
- Galatians 3:26
For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
- Luke 19:9
And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
- Romans 4:24
but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
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