Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

GALATIANS 3:7KJV
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Galatians 3:7 (KJV)

What does Galatians 3:7 mean?

Galatians 3:7 says that those who rely on faith, rather than ancestry or following the law, are truly the children of Abraham. The verse teaches that belonging to Abraham’s family is about sharing his faith, not just his bloodline.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, addressing people who were being told they needed to follow Jewish law to be part of God’s people. Paul points out that Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith, so anyone who has faith like Abraham is counted as his descendant in a spiritual sense.

The Greek behind Galatians 3:7

  • πίστις (pistis, "faith"): This word refers to trust or belief, especially trust in God. Paul uses it to show that faith, not heritage or works, is what connects people to Abraham.
  • υἱοί (huioi, "children" or "sons"): This word means children or sons, and in this context, it emphasizes a close family relationship, not just a distant connection. Paul is saying that people of faith are true family to Abraham.
  • ἐκ (ek, "of" or "from"): This preposition means "from" or "out of," showing origin. Paul uses it to say that those who come from faith—whose lives are rooted in faith—are Abraham’s children.

Why Galatians 3:7 matters

  • Galatians 3:7 clarifies that spiritual family is based on faith, not on ethnicity or keeping religious rules, which was a major issue for early Christians from non-Jewish backgrounds.
  • The verse connects back to the story of Abraham in Genesis, showing that the promise given to Abraham extends to all who trust God as he did.
  • This statement sets up Paul’s larger argument in Galatians that faith in Christ, not law-keeping, is what brings people into God’s family, shaping the rest of his letter.

Where else these words appear

“therefore” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

“Abraham” Greek G11 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
  • Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.