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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 3:23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/48_Gal_03_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:23 - The Purpose of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/3-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/3-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/3-22.htm" title="Galatians 3:22">◄</a> Galatians 3:23 <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm" title="Galatians 3:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/3.htm">New International Version</a> Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now before faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, having been locked up until the faith being about to be revealed, <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being confined for the faith that was destined to be revealed. <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But before faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, being shut up for the coming faith to be revealed. <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, [perpetually] imprisoned [in preparation] for the faith that was destined to be revealed, <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Law controlled us and kept us under its power until the time came when we would have faith. <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We were kept under control by Moses' laws until this faith came. We were under their control until this faith which was about to come would be revealed. <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now before faith came about, we were held in custody and confined under the Law in preparation for the faith that was to be revealed. <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed. <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Before this faith came, we Jews were perpetual prisoners under the Law, living under restraints and limitations in preparation for the faith which was soon to be revealed. <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And before the coming of faith, we were being kept under law, shut up to the faith about to be revealed, <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now before faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, having been locked up until the faith being about to be revealed, <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And before the coming of the faith, under law we were being kept, shut up to the faith about to be revealed, <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And before faith came, we were guarded under the law, shut up to faith about to be revealed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But before the faith came, we were kept under the law shut up, unto that faith which was to be revealed. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But before the faith arrived, we were preserved by being enclosed under the law, unto that faith which was to be revealed. <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But before faith came, we were guided by the law, while we were waiting for the faith which was to be revealed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But until the faith would come, The Written Law had kept us while we were closed off to the faith that was going to be revealed.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But before the faith came, we were kept under law, being shut up to the faith which was to be revealed.<CM> <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But before faith came, we were kept under law, being shut up to the faith about to be revealed. <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But before the faith came, we were in ward under the law, shut up together for the faith that should be revealed. <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but before faith came, we were shut up together as prisoners under the custody of the law, 'till faith was to be revealed. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Before this faith came, we Jews were perpetual prisoners under the Law, living under restraints and limitations in preparation for the faith which was soon to be revealed. <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, before the faith came, we were kept guarded under law, being shut up to the faith about to be revealed. <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But before faith came, we were kept shut up under the law, till the faith appeared which was to be revealed. <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=651" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">The Purpose of the Law</a> …22But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: Pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">Before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthein (V-ANA) -- To come, go. ">came,</a> <a href="/greek/5432.htm" title="5432: ephrouroumetha (V-IIM/P-1P) -- From a compound of pro and horao; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. To mount guard as a sentinel; figuratively, to hem in, protect.">we were held in custody</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">under</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law,</a> <a href="/greek/4788.htm" title="4788: synkleiomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To enclose, shut in, make subject to. From sun and kleio; to shut together, i.e. Include or embrace in a common subjection to.">locked up</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">until</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/3195.htm" title="3195: mellousan (V-PPA-AFS) -- A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.">should be</a> <a href="/greek/601.htm" title="601: apokalyphthēnai (V-ANP) -- To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose.">revealed.</a> 24So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Romans 7:6</a> But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. <a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a> For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Hebrews 9:8-10</a> By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. / It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. / They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Colossians 2:20-22</a> If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: / “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? / These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15</a> by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19-24</a> Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. / Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. / But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7-11</a> Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! ... <a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Romans 6:14</a> For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18-19</a> So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless / (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a> For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/8-2.htm">Romans 8:2-4</a> For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. / For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, / so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9-10</a> We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching <a href="/acts/13-38.htm">Acts 13:38-39</a> Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. / Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. <a href="/romans/4-15.htm">Romans 4:15</a> because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. <a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20-21</a> The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, / so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed.faith came.<a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19,24,25</a> 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… <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-4</a> Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; … <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a> Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.under.<a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4,5,21</a> But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, … <a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Galatians 5:18</a> But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.<a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19</a> Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.the faith.<a href="/luke/10-23.htm">Luke 10:23,24</a> And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: … <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13,39,40</a> These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth… <a href="/1_peter/1-11.htm">1 Peter 1:11,12</a> Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/1-21.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-15.htm">Confined</a> <a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Held</a> <a href="/galatians/2-15.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-9.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/john/19-42.htm">Preparation</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Restraints</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-6.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Confined</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Held</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-12.htm">Perpetual</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Preparation</a> <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/numbers/29-35.htm">Restraint</a> <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Restraints</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/galatians/5-5.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 3</div>1. <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">He asks what moved them to leave the faith, and hold onto the law.</a> 6. <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Those who believe are justified,</a> 9. <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">and blessed with Abraham.</a> 10. <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">And this he shows by many reasons.</a> 15. <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">The purpose of the Law</a> 26. <a href="/galatians/3-26.htm">You are sons of God</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/galatians/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Before this faith came This phrase refers to the period before the advent of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of justification. The Greek word for "faith" here is "πίστις" (pistis), which implies trust, belief, and confidence. Historically, this period was marked by adherence to the Mosaic Law, which served as a guardian. The coming of faith signifies the arrival of the new covenant through Christ, a pivotal moment in salvation history that transformed the relationship between God and humanity.we were held in custody The phrase "held in custody" uses the Greek word "φρουρέω" (phroureo), meaning to guard or protect. This metaphor suggests that the law acted as a protective measure, keeping the people of God within certain boundaries. It implies a temporary state, one that was necessary until the coming of Christ. The law was not meant to be a permanent solution but a preparatory stage in God's redemptive plan.under the law "Under the law" indicates living under the jurisdiction and authority of the Mosaic Law. The Greek term "νόμος" (nomos) refers to the law given to Moses, which included moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects. This law was a covenant between God and Israel, designed to set them apart and guide them in righteousness. However, it also highlighted humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through their own efforts, pointing to the need for a savior.locked up The term "locked up" comes from the Greek "συγκλείω" (sugkleio), meaning to enclose or confine. This suggests a sense of restriction and limitation. The law, while good and holy, confined people by revealing sin and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone. It served to highlight the need for divine intervention and grace.until faith should be revealed This phrase marks the transition from the old covenant to the new. The Greek word for "revealed" is "ἀποκαλύπτω" (apokalypto), meaning to uncover or unveil. The revelation of faith refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ and the gospel, which brought a new way of relating to God. This unveiling was the fulfillment of God's promise and the culmination of His redemptive plan, offering salvation through faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Before faith came.--Before faith awoke into exercise, began to exist, or the preaching of Christ as its object.We were kept.--Better, we were kept in ward, so as to bring out more clearly the force of the metaphor which runs through the verse. The Law was a kind of prison-house, in which we were kept shut up. It was a custody from which we were not permitted to escape--a stern guardian that we were made to obey.Unto the faith . . .--With a view to the dispensation of faith which was in store for us. The object of this state of guardianship was to fit us for the dispensation of faith looming in the future.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - The feature which distinguishes this new paragraph (vers. 23, 24) from the preceding (vers. 21, 22) is the more distinct statement of the paedagogic function of the Law as preparatory to that economy of grace which was the ulterior purpose of the Lawgiver. In the meanwhile (the apostle here says) we were committed to the custody of the Law. But before faith came (πρὸ τοῦ δὲ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν). The "but" is an-tithetic to the closing clause of ver. 22, from which is taken up afresh the notion of faith, there spoken of as of old destined to become at the proper time the qualifier for the receiving of the promise. "Faith" denotes, not objectively, "the faith," that is, the gospel, as <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Galatians 1:23</a>, a sense in which it is seldom used, and which is repelled here by the whole context; but subjectively, the principle of belief in One who gives of mere grace. This, by a bold and surely jubilant figure of speech, is personified as "coming" for men's deliverance, while the "Law" is also personified as the stern custodian under whose charge till then men were detained. Compare the frequent references in the Psalms to "light," "truth," "righteousness," "word," etc., being" sent," "commanded," by the Lord, as in angels, despatched for the help of his saints (<a href="/psalms/43-3.htm">Psalm 43:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/40-11.htm">Psalm 40:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/57-3.htm">Psalm 57:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/107-20.htm">Psalm 107:20</a>, etc.). We were kept under the Law, shut up (ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα συγκεκλεισμένοι [συγκλειόμενοι, Revised Text; so, according to Scrivener, L. T. Tr.]); we were kept in ward under the Law. shut up. The "we" recites, not exactly Jewish Christians or Jews, except per accidens, but God's people. The verb φρουρεῖν, keep carefully guarded, is used with a prominent notion of protection in <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">1 Peter 1:5</a>; whilst in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32</a>, as here, the more prominent idea is that of preventing egress. Comp. <a href="/romans/7-6.htm">Romans 7:6</a>, "The Law wherein we were holden (κατειχόμεθα)." So Wisd. 17:16, of Egyptians, in the plague of miraculous darkness, as it were imprisoned, unable to move, Ἐφρουρεῖτο εἰς τὴν ἀσίδηρον εἱρκτὴν κατακλεισθείς, "Was kept ill ward, having been shut up into the prison which had no iron bars." The reading συγκλειόμενοι or συνκλειόμενοι, although highly witnessed to by uncial manuscripts, appears to be accounted for by the reading in B, συγκλεισμένοι (very probably a clerical blunder for συγκεκλεισμένοι), which may have given it vogue. The perfect participle seems alone suitable to the passage, q.d. shut up for good and all. The present participle would require to be understood of the repression of a constantly repeated endeavour to escape (or, what?). As the verb συνέκλεισεν occurs in the preceding verse, συγκεκλεισμένοι takes the shade of meaning, "shut up as I said." Unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed (εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι). "Unto;" with reference to, with an eye to, the coming economy of free grace, to which they were then to be transferred. The same preposition (εἰς) is used in the same manner in the next verse," unto Christ." In the words, τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι, we have the same form of sentence as in <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a>, Πρὸς τὴν μέλλουσαν δόξαν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι, "For the glory which shall hereafter be revealed." In both cases, the emphatic position of μέλλουσαν appears to indicate, not merely that the manifestation was future, but that the future would be sure to bring it; the predetermining purpose of God made it certain. "Revealed:" the principle of faith as accepting a gift bestowed of free grace, though not unknown to the pious of former ages (<a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21</a>) - for how in any age could one con-scions of sin look for any gift at the hands of the Almighty except thus? - was destined, under the "gospel of the grace of God," to come forth into conspicuous prominence as the one supremely commanding element of religious sentiment. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Before Πρὸ (Pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. [this] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. came, ἐλθεῖν (elthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. we were held in custody ἐφρουρούμεθα (ephrouroumetha) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5432.htm">Strong's 5432: </a> From a compound of pro and horao; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. To mount guard as a sentinel; figuratively, to hem in, protect. under ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). the Law, νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. locked up συνκλειόμενοι (synkleiomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4788.htm">Strong's 4788: </a> To enclose, shut in, make subject to. From sun and kleio; to shut together, i.e. Include or embrace in a common subjection to. until εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. should be μέλλουσαν (mellousan) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3195.htm">Strong's 3195: </a> A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something. revealed. ἀποκαλυφθῆναι (apokalyphthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_601.htm">Strong's 601: </a> To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-23.htm">Galatians 3:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:23 But before faith came we were kept (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/3-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 3:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/3-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 3:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>