King James Version

What Does Galatians 3:11 Mean?

Galatians 3:11 in the King James Version says “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 3:11 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Read Galatians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. The conjunction 'but' (de, δέ) contrasts the curse of Law (v. 10) with the impossibility of justification by Law. 'No man' (oudeis, οὐδείς)—absolutely no one—'is justified' (dikaiotai, δικαιοῦται, present tense: is being declared righteous) by Law 'in the sight of God' (para tō theō, παρὰ τῷ θεῷ)—literally 'before God,' in God's tribunal. The phrase 'it is evident' (dēlon, δῆλον)—'it is clear, manifest'—introduces the scriptural proof.

The quote from Habakkuk 2:4—'The just shall live by faith' (ho dikaios ek pisteōs zēsetai, ὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται)—is the thematic verse of Romans (1:17) and Galatians. The righteous one (ho dikaios, ὁ δίκαιος) lives (zēsetai, ζήσεται, future tense) 'by faith' (ek pisteōs, ἐκ πίστεως)—faith is the source and sphere of life. The verb 'live' means both spiritual life now and eternal life to come. Faith, not Law-works, is the principle of life for the righteous.

Paul's argument: Habakkuk declares that the righteous live by faith; therefore, righteousness itself must come by faith, not Law. The Law cannot justify because it demands works (v. 12), whereas Scripture declares faith is the principle of righteousness. This verse anchors Protestant theology: justification (being declared righteous) is by faith alone, and the justified live by ongoing faith, not works.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Habakkuk 2:4 was written during Judah's Babylonian crisis (ca. 600 BC), when Habakkuk questioned God's justice in using wicked Babylon to judge Judah. God's answer: the righteous will survive by faithfulness/faith (Hebrew *emunah* can mean both). The Septuagint (Greek OT) translates this as *ek pisteōs* (by faith), which Paul adopts. Jewish interpretation emphasized Torah faithfulness; Paul emphasizes faith in Christ. Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38 all quote Habakkuk 2:4, making it foundational to New Testament soteriology—justification and sanctification are both by faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Habakkuk 2:4 ('the just shall live by faith') teach both justification by faith and sanctification by faith?
  2. Why is it 'evident' that no one is justified by Law in God's sight? What does this reveal about the purpose of the Law?
  3. In what areas of your life are you trying to 'live by works' rather than 'live by faith'? How would living by faith transform your daily walk?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὅτι1 of 16

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 16

“by”

G1722

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

νόμῳ4 of 16

“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

οὐδεὶς5 of 16

“no man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δικαιοῦται6 of 16

“is justified”

G1344

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

παρὰ7 of 16

“in the sight”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τῷ8 of 16
G3588

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

θεῷ9 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δῆλον10 of 16

“it is evident”

G1212

clear

ὅτι11 of 16

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ὁ12 of 16
G3588

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

δίκαιος13 of 16

“The just”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἐκ14 of 16

“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

πίστεως15 of 16

“faith”

G4102

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

ζήσεται·16 of 16

“shall live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:4Romans 1:17Hebrews 10:38Galatians 2:16Ecclesiastes 7:20Psalms 130:3-4

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Galatians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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