Galatians 3:23

Translations

Modern

Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.

Traditional

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Literal

Now before the faith came, we were being held in custody under the law, having been shut in until the faith being about to be revealed,

Latin

Prius autem quam veniret fides, sub lege custodiebamur conclusi in eam fidem quæ revelanda erat.

Original

Greek

English

Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.

Notes

Galatians 3:23

Because sin had imprisoned us (3:22), the law of Moses acted as a guard, keeping God's people safe (held in custody) until faith in Jesus was revealed. It clearly showed God's requirements and emphasized the need for a Savior. The law also kept sin under control by clearly showing its consequences.

Galatians 3:21–25

See Romans 7:7 –13.

Galatians 3:23–29

Paul compares two different times: how God's people lived when they were under the law before Jesus came, and how they live now that they belong to Christ and follow him.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Paul (Saul) The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 3:24–25
So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Romans 11:32
For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone.
Romans 6:14–15
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Galatians 3:19
Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.
Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Galatians 4:1–5
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.
1 Peter 1:11–12
…trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Corinthians 9:20–21
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.
Luke 10:23–24
Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
Galatians 4:21
Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?

Galatians 3:23

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