King James Version

What Does Galatians 3:20 Mean?

Galatians 3:20 in the King James Version says “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. — study this verse from Galatians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Galatians 3:20 · KJV


Context

18

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

20

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

21

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid : for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. This dense, cryptic verse has sparked much debate. 'A mediator is not a mediator of one' (ho de mesitēs henos ouk estin, ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν)—a mediator (mesitēs, μεσίτης) by definition implies two parties in negotiation or contract. Moses mediated between God and Israel at Sinai—a bilateral covenant requiring mutual obligations. Israel had to obey; God would bless. This required a mediator to broker the two-party agreement.

The contrasting statement: 'but God is one' (ho de theos heis estin, ὁ δὲ θεὸς εἷς ἐστιν). The promise (epangelia, ἐπαγγελία) to Abraham was unilateral—God alone swore the oath (Genesis 15:17, 22:16-18), requiring nothing from Abraham. No mediator was needed because the promise was God's unconditional commitment. The phrase 'God is one' could also echo the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)—God's unity and singularity means He acts alone in the promise-covenant, unlike the Law-covenant that required mediation between two parties.

Paul's point: the Law's bilateral, mediated nature proves its inferiority to the promise's unilateral, unmediated nature. The promise depends solely on God's faithfulness; the Law depends on human obedience—and humans fail. Therefore, the promise-gospel is superior to the Law-system. God's unilateral, gracious promise cannot be overthrown by the Law's conditional, bilateral demands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mediation language pervades the Mosaic covenant—Moses stood between God and Israel, conveying God's words and Israel's responses (Exodus 19:7-9, 20:18-21, Deuteronomy 5:5). The Law was a suzerainty treaty: God (suzerain) and Israel (vassal) entered a covenant with mutual obligations. By contrast, the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15:7-21) was unilateral—God alone passed between the sacrifice pieces, binding Himself by oath without requiring Abraham's performance. Hebrews 8-9 develops this: Christ mediates a better covenant based on better promises, superseding the Mosaic covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the bilateral nature of the Law-covenant (requiring a mediator between God and Israel) differ from the unilateral nature of the Abrahamic promise?
  2. What does the phrase 'God is one' reveal about the Abrahamic promise depending solely on God's faithfulness rather than human performance?
  3. Why is a unilateral, unmediated promise-gospel superior to a bilateral, mediated Law-covenant? How does this give you assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

μεσίτης3 of 11

a mediator

G3316

a go-between, i.e., (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)

εἷς4 of 11

a mediator of one

G1520

one

οὐκ5 of 11

not

G3756

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

ἐστιν6 of 11

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

7 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ8 of 11

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

θεὸς9 of 11

God

G2316

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

εἷς10 of 11

a mediator of one

G1520

one

ἐστιν11 of 11

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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