Galatians 3:12

The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."

Study Bible

The law is not based on faith
This phrase highlights a fundamental distinction between the law and faith. The Greek word for "law" here is "νόμος" (nomos), which refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. Historically, the law was a set of commandments and ordinances that required strict adherence. It was a covenant of works, where righteousness was pursued through human effort and obedience. In contrast, "faith" (πίστις, pistis) is about trust and belief in God's promises, particularly the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. The law demands actions and compliance, while faith is about reliance on God's grace. This distinction is crucial in understanding the Apostle Paul's argument that righteousness and justification before God come through faith, not by the works of the law.

on the contrary
This phrase serves as a pivot, indicating a contrast or opposition to the previous statement. In the context of Paul's argument, it underscores the incompatibility between living by the law and living by faith. The Greek word "ἀλλά" (alla) is often used to introduce a strong contrast, emphasizing that the two systems—law and faith—operate on fundamentally different principles. This sets the stage for the following quotation from the Old Testament, which Paul uses to further illustrate his point.

“The man who does these things will live by them.”
This quotation is from Leviticus 18:5, where the original Hebrew text emphasizes the necessity of doing or performing the commandments to attain life. The Greek word for "does" is "ποιήσας" (poiēsas), which implies continuous action or practice. The phrase "will live by them" suggests that life, in the context of the law, is contingent upon perfect and ongoing obedience. Historically, this was understood as a promise of life and blessing for those who could fully comply with the law. However, Paul uses this to highlight the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the law, as no one can perfectly keep all its demands. This underscores the need for a different path to righteousness, which is found in faith in Jesus Christ. The law, therefore, points to the necessity of a Savior, as it reveals humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia about the role of the Law and faith in Christ.

2. Galatia
A region in modern-day Turkey where the recipients of the letter resided. The churches here were struggling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law.

3. Mosaic Law
The body of laws given to Israel through Moses, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.

4. Judaizers
A group of Jewish Christians who taught that Gentile converts must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, to be saved.

5. Faith in Christ
The central theme of Paul's message, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law.

Teaching Points

The Nature of the Law
The Law is not based on faith but on works. It demands perfect obedience, which is impossible for fallen humanity.

The Role of Faith
Faith in Christ is the means by which we receive righteousness. Unlike the Law, faith does not rely on human effort but on trust in God's promise.

The Purpose of the Law
The Law serves to reveal sin and our need for a Savior. It points us to Christ, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf.

Living by Faith
As believers, we are called to live by faith, trusting in Christ's finished work rather than our ability to keep the Law.

Freedom in Christ
Understanding the distinction between Law and faith frees us from legalism and empowers us to live in the grace of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the purpose of the Law help us appreciate the work of Christ?

2. In what ways can we fall into the trap of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts?

3. How does living by faith differ from living by the Law in your daily life?

4. What are some practical ways to remind ourselves of our freedom in Christ when faced with legalistic tendencies?

5. How can we encourage others in our community to embrace the righteousness that comes by faith rather than works?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:5
This verse is directly quoted in Galatians 3:12, emphasizing that the Law requires perfect obedience for life.

Romans 10:5
Paul uses a similar argument in Romans, contrasting the righteousness based on the Law with the righteousness based on faith.

Hebrews 10:38
This verse highlights the principle that "the righteous will live by faith," contrasting with the idea of living by the Law.

James 2:10
This passage underscores the impossibility of keeping the whole Law perfectly, pointing to the need for grace through faith.