But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

GALATIANS 3:25KJV
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Galatians 3:25 (KJV)

What does Galatians 3:25 mean?

Galatians 3:25 says that once faith has arrived, believers are no longer under the supervision or guidance of a "schoolmaster." This means that with the coming of faith in Jesus Christ, people are no longer bound to the old way of being guided by the law as a strict guardian.

Paul is writing to the Galatians, a group of early Christians, explaining the change brought by faith in Christ. In the verses before this, Paul compared the law to a "schoolmaster" or guardian, meant to watch over people until Christ came. Now, with faith present, that temporary guardian role of the law is finished, and believers relate to God in a new way.

The Greek behind Galatians 3:25

  • σχολαρχης (paidagōgos, transliterated as "schoolmaster"): This word refers to a guardian or tutor, often a servant who led children to school and watched over their behavior. Paul uses it to picture the law as a temporary guide, not a permanent authority.
  • πίστις (pistis, transliterated as "faith"): This word means trust or belief, especially trust in Christ. Paul is emphasizing that faith, not the law, is now the basis for the believer's relationship with God.
  • ὑπό (hypo, transliterated as "under"): This preposition means being under the authority or control of something. Paul is saying believers are no longer under the controlling authority of the law.

Why Galatians 3:25 matters

  • Galatians 3:25 clears up the misunderstanding that Christians are still required to follow the Old Testament law as a means of being right with God.
  • The verse highlights the shift from the law’s temporary role to the permanent role of faith in Christ, showing a major change in how people relate to God.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s bigger argument in Galatians that salvation and belonging to God’s family come through faith, not by keeping the law.

Where else these words appear

“schoolmaster” Greek G3807 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

“longer” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

“longer” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;