Galatians 3:22 (KJV)

What does Galatians 3:22 mean?

Galatians 3:22 says that the Scriptures have declared everyone to be under the power of sin, so that the promise—received through faith in Jesus Christ—can be given to those who believe. The verse highlights that faith, not human effort, is the way people receive what God has promised.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, explaining why the law was given and what its limits are. He points out that the law shows everyone is trapped by sin, but this sets the stage for God's promise to come through faith in Jesus. The verse helps clarify that the law's purpose was not to save, but to prepare people to receive salvation by trusting in Christ.

The Greek behind Galatians 3:22

• "Concluded" (συνέκλεισεν, synekleisen): This Greek word means to "shut up together" or "confine." Paul uses it to show that Scripture has placed everyone in the same situation—under sin—so no one is left out or can claim to be righteous on their own.
• "Under" (ὑπό, hypo): This word means being under the control or power of something. Here, it emphasizes that all people are under the power or authority of sin, not just influenced by it.
• "Promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia): This word refers to something pledged or assured by God. Paul stresses that this promise is not earned, but given.
• "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This Greek word means trust or belief. Paul highlights that it is through trusting Jesus Christ, not following the law, that people receive the promise.

Why Galatians 3:22 matters

• Galatians 3:22 clears up the misunderstanding that the law could make someone right with God; instead, it shows the law's role was to reveal everyone's need for faith.
• The verse emphasizes that God's promise is open to anyone who believes, not just to those who follow certain rules or belong to a specific group.
• This verse connects to Paul's larger argument that faith in Jesus is the only way to receive God's promises, setting up the contrast between law and faith in the rest of the chapter.