Galatians 3:16

The Purpose of the Law · Galatians 3:15–25
Read Galatians 3

Translations

Modern
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.
Traditional
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Literal
Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. It does not say “and to seeds,” as of many, but as of One, “and to your seed,” who is Christ.
Latin
Abrahæ dictæ sunt promissiones, et semini ejus. Non dicit: Et seminibus, quasi in multis: sed quasi in uno: Et semini tuo, qui est Christus.

Original

Greek
English
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.

Notes

The promises to Abraham were mainly received by him and his child (literally his seed). This "seed" was the promised Messiah (God's chosen one), who is Abraham's ultimate descendant. The word "seed" can mean one descendant or many (see Genesis 12:7; 13:15). Although the promise can refer to many descendants (see Galatians 3:29; Genesis 13:15–16; 15:5–6; 17:7–8), it specifically points to one descendant, Christ, who fully fulfilled the promise. The heirs of the promise are not Jacob’s physical children but the spiritual children of Christ, by the Spirit through faith.

Jesus, not the law, has fulfilled the promise and agreement (covenant) made with Abraham.

Parallels

Romans 7:1–6

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Elemental Spirits, Elements Ezekiel, Book of Faith Freedom, Liberty Inheritance Justification, Justified Letter to the Galatians Peter, Second Letter of

Topics

Abraham: God's Covenant With Faith in Christ Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Inerrancy of the Bible Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Prophecies Respecting Christ: As the Seed of Abraham: Fulfilled Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Covenant: Made With: Abraham The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of Abraham The Promises of God: Made to Abraham The Promises of God: Made to Christ Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation