King James Version

What Does Galatians 3:13 Mean?

Galatians 3:13 in the King James Version says “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one tha...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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:”

Galatians 3:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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:

14

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

15

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. covenant: or, testament

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This is the gospel climax. 'Redeemed' (exēgorasen, ἐξηγόρασεν) is a commercial term: 'bought out of the marketplace'—Christ purchased us from the curse's slave-market. The aorist tense indicates a definitive, completed act. 'The curse of the law' refers back to verse 10: the Law's curse on all who fail perfect obedience. Christ redeemed 'us'—Jewish believers primarily, but extending to all (v. 14).

The phrase 'being made a curse for us' (genomenos hyper hēmōn katara, γενόμενος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν κατάρα) is staggering—Christ became curse itself, not just cursed. The preposition hyper (ὑπέρ) means 'on behalf of, as substitute for'—Christ bore our curse as our substitute. The quote from Deuteronomy 21:23—'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree' (epikataratos pas ho kremamenos epi xylou, ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς ὁ κρεμάμενος ἐπὶ ξύλου)—proves that crucifixion incurred the Law's curse. Christ's cross-death placed Him under the curse meant for us.

This is penal substitutionary atonement: Christ bore the penalty (curse) we deserved, satisfying the Law's demands. The Law cursed us (v. 10); Christ became that curse (v. 13), exhausting God's wrath so we receive blessing instead. The irony: the cross, symbol of shame and curse, becomes the instrument of redemption. No wonder Paul glories in the cross (6:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 required that executed criminals displayed on trees (impaled) be buried the same day, because 'he that is hanged is accursed of God.' Jewish interpretation saw crucifixion victims as under God's curse. Paul turns this against the Judaizers: the Messiah's crucifixion proves He bore the curse for us—if He were merely a cursed false prophet, Christianity collapses; but if He bore our curse as substitute, the cross becomes the hinge of redemption. Peter quotes Deuteronomy 21:23 similarly in Acts 5:30, 10:39. The 'tree' (ξύλον) in Greek can mean wooden cross.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ 'became a curse' for us, not just 'bore a curse'? How does this intensify your understanding of His sacrifice?
  2. How does Christ's redemption from the Law's curse (v. 13) provide the only escape from the curse of verse 10?
  3. In what ways does penal substitutionary atonement (Christ bearing your curse) transform your gratitude, worship, and daily obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Χριστὸς1 of 20

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἡμᾶς2 of 20

“us”

G2248

us

ἐξηγόρασεν3 of 20

“hath redeemed”

G1805

to buy up, i.e., ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity)

ἐκ4 of 20

“from”

G1537

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

τῆς5 of 20
G3588

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

κατάρα6 of 20

“a curse”

G2671

imprecation, execration

τοῦ7 of 20
G3588

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

νόμου8 of 20

“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

γενόμενος9 of 20

“being made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὑπὲρ10 of 20

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν11 of 20

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

κατάρα12 of 20

“a curse”

G2671

imprecation, execration

γέγραπται13 of 20

“it is written”

G1125

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

γὰρ,14 of 20

“for”

G1063

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

Ἐπικατάρατος15 of 20

“Cursed”

G1944

imprecated, i.e., execrable

πᾶς16 of 20

“is every one”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ17 of 20
G3588

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

κρεμάμενος18 of 20

“that hangeth”

G2910

to hang

ἐπὶ19 of 20

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ξύλου20 of 20

“a tree”

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:24Deuteronomy 21:23Hebrews 9:121 Peter 1:18-21Hebrews 9:15Hebrews 10:4-10

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