Galatians 3:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
What Does Galatians 3:18 Mean?
Paul sets promise and law in contrast once more. If the inheritance depended on keeping the law, it would no longer be a matter of promise. The two cannot both be its source; they work on opposite principles.
But the record is clear: God gave the inheritance to Abraham as a promise, freely. It rests on God's gracious word, not on human achievement. The inheritance is therefore a gift to be received, not a wage to be earned, and faith is the hand that receives it.
Galatians 3:18 in the Original Language
epangelia (ἐπαγγελία), 'promise' -- a freely given pledge from God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galatians 3:18
What does Galatians 3:18 mean?
If the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.