King James Version

What Does Galatians 3:10 Mean?

Galatians 3:10 in the King James Version says “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth n... — study this verse from Galatians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12

And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Paul now contrasts the blessing of faith (v. 9) with the curse of Law-works. 'As many as are of the works of the law' (hosoi gar ex ergōn nomou, ὅσοι γὰρ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου)—those whose identity is grounded in Law-performance—'are under the curse' (hypo kataran eisin, ὑπὸ κατάραν εἰσιν): under the realm of cursing. The quote from Deuteronomy 27:26 is devastating: cursed is 'every one' (pas, πᾶς) who does not continue (emmenei, ἐμμένει, present tense: keep on persisting) in 'all things' (pasin, πᾶσιν) written in the Law to do them (poiēsai, ποιῆσαι, infinitive of purpose).

The Law demands perfect, perpetual obedience to every command—'all things...do them.' Partial obedience equals total failure. One transgression invokes the curse. James 2:10 echoes this: 'whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet offend in one point, is guilty of all.' Therefore, relying on Law-works for justification guarantees condemnation, because no one perfectly keeps the whole Law. The Law pronounces curse, not blessing, on all who fail—which is everyone.

Paul's logic is airtight: Faith brings blessing (v. 9); Law brings curse (v. 10). The Judaizers claimed Law-keeping secured blessing; Paul proves it secures curse, because the Law itself curses everyone who fails perfect obedience. To seek justification by Law is to place yourself under the very curse the Law pronounces.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 27:26 concludes the covenant curses at Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27-28)—Israel's solemn oath to obey the whole Law on pain of curse. The Israelites said 'Amen' to this curse, binding themselves to perfect obedience or judgment. No Israelite ever achieved this; thus, all were under the curse. The prophets lamented Israel's curse-state due to disobedience (Jeremiah 11:3-8, Daniel 9:11). Paul universalizes this: not only Israel but 'as many as are of works of the law' (Jew or Gentile) are under curse. Only Christ's curse-bearing (v. 13) liberates from this judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Deuteronomy 27:26's demand for perfect obedience to 'all things' in the Law demolish any hope of justification by works?
  2. Why is partial obedience to the Law not commendable but damnable? What does this reveal about God's holiness and justice?
  3. In what subtle ways might you be placing yourself 'under the curse' by relying on your moral performance rather than Christ's perfect obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὅσοι1 of 28

as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐξ3 of 28

of

G1537

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

ἔργων4 of 28

the works

G2041

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

νόμου5 of 28

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

εἰσίν·6 of 28

are

G1526

they are

ὑπὸ7 of 28

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

κατάραν8 of 28

the curse

G2671

imprecation, execration

εἰσίν·9 of 28

are

G1526

they are

γεγραμμένοις10 of 28

are written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γὰρ11 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ἐπικατάρατος12 of 28

Cursed

G1944

imprecated, i.e., execrable

πᾶσιν13 of 28

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὃς14 of 28

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ15 of 28

not

G3756

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

ἐμμένει16 of 28

continueth

G1696

to stay in the same place, i.e., (figuratively) persevere

ἐν17 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν18 of 28

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῦ19 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γεγραμμένοις20 of 28

are written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἐν21 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῦ22 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βιβλίῳ23 of 28

the book

G975

a roll

τοῦ24 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμου25 of 28

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

τοῦ26 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιῆσαι27 of 28

to do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτά28 of 28

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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