King James Version
Galatians 3:23 in the King James Version says “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.”
Galatians 3:23 · KJV
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.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“came”
G2064to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“faith”
G4102persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
“under”
G5259under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
“the law”
G3551law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
“we were kept”
G5432to be a watcher in advance, i.e., to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect
“shut up”
G4788to shut together, i.e., include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“which should afterwards”
G3195to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
“faith”
G4102persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
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.
Galatians 3:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Galatians 3:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge