King James Version

What Does Galatians 2:16 Mean?

Galatians 2:16 in the King James Version says “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in ... — study this verse from Galatians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 2:16 · KJV


Context

14

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid .

18

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. This verse is the theological heart of Galatians, stated with threefold emphasis. The participle eidotes (εἰδότες, "knowing") indicates settled conviction. The passive verb dikaioutai anthrōpos (δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος, "a man is justified") uses dikaioō (δικαιόω)—forensic declaration of righteousness, God's verdict of "not guilty."

The contrast is absolute: ouk...ex ergōn nomou (οὐκ...ἐξ ἔργων νόμου, "not from works of law") versus dia pisteōs Iēsou Christou (διὰ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, "through faith of/in Jesus Christ"). The prepositional shift—ek (ἐκ, from/out of) versus dia (διά, through/by means of)—shows law-works cannot be the source, only faith in Christ. The phrase pistis Iēsou Christou can mean "faith in Jesus Christ" (objective genitive) or "the faithfulness of Jesus Christ" (subjective genitive)—likely both: we trust in the faithful work of Christ.

The climactic conclusion: ex ergōn nomou ou dikaiōthēsetai pasa sarx (ἐξ ἔργων νόμου οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σάρξ, "by works of law shall no flesh be justified"), quoting Psalm 143:2. Pasa sarx (πᾶσα σάρξ, "all flesh") is universal—no human being, whether Jew or Gentile, achieves right standing with God through law-keeping. Justification is by faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This statement overturned centuries of Jewish self-understanding. Torah observance was how Jews maintained covenant relationship with God. Paul insists the law was never meant to justify but to reveal sin (Romans 3:20). Christ's perfect obedience and atoning death accomplished what the law demanded but could never produce—complete righteousness credited to believers through faith. This doctrine sparked the Reformation 1,400 years later.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "works of law" are you tempted to trust in for acceptance with God rather than resting in Christ's finished work?
  2. How does the complete exclusion of works from justification protect both God's holiness and our assurance?
  3. What difference should the truth that "no flesh" can be justified by works make in how you view yourself and other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 38 words
εἰδότες1 of 38

Knowing

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι2 of 38

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ3 of 38

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δικαιωθήσεται4 of 38

be justified

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

ἄνθρωπος5 of 38

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐξ6 of 38

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργων7 of 38

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

νόμου8 of 38

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἐὰν9 of 38
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ10 of 38
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διὰ11 of 38

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

πίστεως12 of 38

the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Ἰησοῦν13 of 38

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ14 of 38

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ15 of 38

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς16 of 38

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

εἰς17 of 38

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Χριστοῦ18 of 38

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦν19 of 38

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐπιστεύσαμεν20 of 38

have believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἵνα21 of 38

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δικαιωθήσεται22 of 38

be justified

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

ἐξ23 of 38

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως24 of 38

the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Χριστοῦ25 of 38

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ26 of 38

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ27 of 38

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐξ28 of 38

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργων29 of 38

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

νόμου30 of 38

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

διότι31 of 38

for

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

οὐ32 of 38

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δικαιωθήσεται33 of 38

be justified

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

ἐξ34 of 38

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργων35 of 38

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

νόμου36 of 38

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

πᾶσα37 of 38
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σάρξ38 of 38

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study