Galatians 2:21 Meaning and Explanation
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul does not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
What Does Galatians 2:21 Mean?
Paul refuses to set aside the grace of God, and that is exactly what returning to law-righteousness would do. To make law-keeping the way to be made right with God is to treat grace as unnecessary. Paul will not insult the gift by acting as if it were not needed.
He ends with the sharpest point of all: if right standing could be earned through the law, then Christ died for no reason. The cross would be emptied of meaning. The entire weight of the gospel rests here — Christ gave himself because there was no other way, and grace, received by faith, is the only ground on which anyone stands before God.
Galatians 2:21 in the Original Language
charis (χάρις), 'grace' -- God's unearned gift, here what law-righteousness would nullify.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galatians 2:21
What does Galatians 2:21 mean?
Paul does not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died for nothing.