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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 3:15 Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/48_Gal_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:15 - The Purpose of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/3-15.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/3-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/3-14.htm" title="Galatians 3:14">◄</a> Galatians 3:15 <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm" title="Galatians 3:16">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </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> Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Brothers, I am speaking according to man. No one sets aside or adds thereto a covenant even of man, having been ratified. <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man&#8217s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Brothers, I speak in human terms: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though a last will and testament is just a human covenant, yet when it has been signed and made legally binding, no one sets it aside or adds to it [modifying it in some way]. <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I’m using a human illustration. No one sets aside or makes additions to a validated human will. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers, I&#8217m using a human illustration. No one sets aside or makes additions to even a human covenant that has been ratified. <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed, no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto. <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friends, I will use an everyday example to explain what I mean. Once someone agrees to something, no one else can change or cancel the agreement. <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed, no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto. <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Brothers and sisters, let me use an example from everyday life. No one can cancel a person's will or add conditions to it once that will is put into effect. <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> My friends, I am going to use an everyday example: when two people agree on a matter and sign an agreement, no one can break it or add anything to it. <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Brothers, let me use an example from everyday life. Once a person's will has been ratified, no one can cancel it or add conditions to it. <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I offer an example from everyday life: When a covenant has been ratified, even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it. <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Brothers, I am speaking in human terms. Though it is only a human covenant, once it has been ratified, no one annuls it or adds to it. <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it is but a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no man disannulleth or addeth to it. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Brethren, even a covenant made by a man--to borrow an illustration from daily life--when once formally sanctioned is not liable to be set aside or added to. <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void or adds to it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Brothers, I say [it] as a man, no one even makes void or adds to a confirmed covenant of man, <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Brothers, I am speaking according to man. No one sets aside or adds thereto a covenant even of man, having been ratified. <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Brethren, as a man I say it, even of man a confirmed covenant no one doth make void or doth add to, <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Brethren, I speak according to man; Although a man's covenant, having been confirmed, none annuls, or orders an addition.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Brethren (I speak after the manner of man,) yet a man's testament, if it be confirmed, no man despiseth, nor addeth to it. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Brothers (I speak according to man), if a man’s testament has been confirmed, no one would reject it or add to it. <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Brothers, in human terms I say that no one can annul or amend even a human will once ratified. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> My brethren, I speak as a man; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man can reject it or change anything in it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> My brethren, I speak as among men, that a man does not reject or change anything in a man's covenant which has been confirmed.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Brethren, I speak of things common among men: No one sets a covenant aside, or enjoins any thing additional after it is confirmed, though it be a man's covenant. <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Brethren, I speak according to a man, nevertheless no one disannuls, or adds to, the covenant of a man which has been confirmed. <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Brethren, I speak humanly; to use a similitude, a man?s testament, if it be passed in legal form, no man can vacate, or add thereunto. <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Brethren, I speak according to the practice of men; contracts between men, when once ratified, cannot be disannulled or altered afterwards by any man. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Brethren, even a covenant made by a man--to borrow an illustration from daily life--when once formally sanctioned is not liable to be set aside or added to. <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Brethren, I am speaking after the manner of man: even a man's confirmed covenant no one sets aside, or adds thereto. <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Brethren, (I speak after the manner of men,) no one cancelleth or addeth to a covenant which hath been ratified, though it be but the covenant of a man. <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=555" 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> 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15<a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: Adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">Brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">let me put this</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">in human terms.</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpon (N-AMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/3676.htm" title="3676: homōs (Conj) -- Yet, nevertheless, even. Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, i.e. notwithstanding, yet still.">Even</a> <a href="/greek/1242.htm" title="1242: diathēkēn (N-AFS) -- From diatithemai; properly, a disposition, i.e. a contract.">a human covenant,</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/2964.htm" title="2964: kekyrōmenēn (V-RPM/P-AFS) -- To ratify, confirm, make valid, reaffirm, assure. From the same as kurios; to make authoritative, i.e. Ratify.">once it is ratified,</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">cannot</a> <a href="/greek/114.htm" title="114: athetei (V-PIA-3S) -- From a compound of a and a derivative of tithemi; to set aside, i.e. to disesteem, neutralize or violate.">be canceled</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1928.htm" title="1928: epidiatassetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To make an additional testamentary disposition, To furnish with additions. ">amended.</a> 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.…<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="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16-17</a> In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, / because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive. <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13-14</a> For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. / For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless, <a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18</a> On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— <a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a> I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21-22</a> But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, <a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Romans 9:4</a> the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">2 Corinthians 1:20</a> For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. <a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm">Hebrews 6:13-17</a> When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, / saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” / And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise. ... <a href="/genesis/22-16.htm">Genesis 22:16-18</a> saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, / I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Romans 11:29</a> For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Ephesians 2:12</a> remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/26-3.htm">Genesis 26:3-4</a> Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13-14</a> And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. <a href="/acts/3-25.htm">Acts 3:25</a> And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Brothers, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man cancels, or adds thereto.I speak.<a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a> I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a> If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.it be.<a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17</a> For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.covenant.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Added</a> <a href="/daniel/10-18.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Adds</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Annuls</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Borrow</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Case</a> <a href="/luke/14-32.htm">Conditions</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Established</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Example</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Formally</a> <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm">Human</a> <a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Illustration</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Life</a> <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Once</a> <a href="/luke/22-20.htm">Ratified</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Sanctioned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/galatians/1-20.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/mark/14-70.htm">Thereto</a> <a href="/galatians/2-21.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Added</a> <a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-9.htm">Adds</a> <a href="/numbers/30-12.htm">Annuls</a> <a href="/exodus/3-22.htm">Borrow</a> <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Case</a> <a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Conditions</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Confirmed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Established</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Example</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Formally</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Human</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Illustration</a> <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Life</a> <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Once</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Ratified</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Relations</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Sanctioned</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/galatians/4-16.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/exodus/25-24.htm">Thereto</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Void</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Paul addresses the Galatians as "brothers," indicating a familial bond and shared faith. This approach is pastoral, aiming to clarify complex theological concepts using relatable language. The phrase "in human terms" suggests Paul is using an analogy from everyday life to explain spiritual truths. This method is consistent with his teaching style, as seen in other epistles where he uses common experiences to illustrate divine principles (e.g., <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Romans 6:19</a>).Even a human covenant, The term "covenant" refers to a formal agreement or contract. In the ancient world, covenants were binding and solemn, often sealed with rituals or sacrifices. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical history, with God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, and David serving as foundational elements of the faith. The use of "human covenant" here underscores the seriousness and permanence of such agreements, even among people.once it is ratified, Ratification implies a formal confirmation or validation of a covenant. In biblical times, this often involved a ceremony or a sign, such as the cutting of animals in <a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">Genesis 15:9-10</a> during God's covenant with Abraham. The ratification process made the covenant legally binding and unchangeable, reflecting the unalterable nature of God's promises.cannot be canceled or amended. This phrase emphasizes the irrevocability of a covenant once it is established. In the context of Galatians, Paul is drawing a parallel to God's covenant with Abraham, which was based on faith and promise, not the Law. The idea that a covenant "cannot be canceled or amended" highlights the permanence of God's promises, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Hebrews 6:17-18</a>, where God's unchangeable purpose is affirmed. This serves to reassure believers of the certainty and reliability of God's word, contrasting with the temporary and conditional nature of the Mosaic Law.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians, addressing issues of faith, law, and the promises of God. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christians in the region of Galatia who were struggling with the influence of Judaizers. 3. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> A formal agreement or promise, often used in biblical contexts to describe God's promises to His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_permanence_of_god's_promises.htm">The Permanence of God's Promises</a> Just as human covenants are binding, God's promises are unchangeable and reliable. Believers can trust in the certainty of God's word. <a href="/topical/f/faith_over_law.htm">Faith Over Law</a> Paul emphasizes that the promise to Abraham was based on faith, not adherence to the law. Christians are called to live by faith, trusting in God's grace rather than their own works. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_covenants.htm">Understanding Covenants</a> Recognizing the seriousness and binding nature of covenants helps believers appreciate the depth of God's commitment to His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a> While the law serves a purpose, it does not nullify the promise. Believers should understand the law's role in guiding but not justifying them. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_christ.htm">Unity in Christ</a> The promise to Abraham extends to all who have faith in Christ, uniting believers across cultural and ethnic lines.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 3</a> <a href="/q/what's_'friend_closer_than_a_brother'.htm">What does 'friend closer than a brother' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_being_free_in_christ_mean.htm">What does being free in Christ mean?</a> <a href="/q/malachi_3_6__why_do_god's_commands_change.htm">Malachi 3:6 - If God is said to be unchanging here, how can the shifting commands and rituals throughout the Bible be explained?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus'_mission_change_to_all_nations.htm">Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15-18) To take an illustration from purely human relations. A covenant once ratified is binding. It cannot be treated as if it did not exist, neither can fresh clauses be added to it. Now the covenant and promise made to Abraham (by the terms in which it was made) could point to no one but the Messiah. That covenant remained unaffected by the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years subsequent to it in point of date. Law and promise are two totally different and mutually exclusive things. But the covenant with Abraham was given by promise. The Law, therefore, had nothing to do with it.(15) I speak after the manner of men.--The figure that I am going to use is one taken from the ordinary civil relations between man and man, and therefore, it is left to be inferred, supplies an a fortiori argument in things relating to God, for men may change and break the most solemn engagements; God is absolutely faithful and unchangeable. The phrase translated "I speak after the manner of men" is found in the same, or a very similar form, in <a href="/romans/3-5.htm" title="But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? (I speak as a man)">Romans 3:5</a>; <a href="/romans/6-19.htm" title="I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity to iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness to holiness.">Romans 6:19</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm" title="Say I these things as a man? or said not the law the same also?">1Corinthians 9:8</a>, where see the Notes.Though it be but a man's covenant.--This is well rendered in the Authorised version. A covenant, even though it is only between two men--though it is regulated by the provisions only of human law--does not admit of alteration or addition after it has once been signed and sealed; much more a covenant which depends on God.Covenant.--The word thus translated is that which gave its name to the "Old and New Testaments," where a more correct rendering would be the "Old and New Covenants." The word has both senses. It meant originally a "disposition" or "settlement," and hence came, on the one hand, to be confined to a "testamentary disposition," while, on the other hand, it was taken to mean a settlement arrived at by agreement between two parties. The first sense is that most commonly found in classical writers; the second is used almost entirely in the LXX. and New Testament. The one exception is in <a href="/context/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15-17</a>, where the idea of "covenant" glides into that of "testament," the argument rather turning upon the double meaning of the word. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Brethren, I speak after the manner of men (ἀδελφοί κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω). "Brethren." The tone of indignant reproach with which the chapter opened has gradually subsided in the course of the apostle's argument; so that here he appeals to the Galatian Churchmen as "brethren; ' as if to bespeak their candid attention to the consideration he is about to allege. "I speak after the manner of men." I say it as stating a principle commonly recognized in human life, in respect to contracts between man and man (see note on the phrase, <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Galatians 1:11</a>). In a similar manner, in <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16, 17</a> the writer refers to human methods of ratifying solemn engagements, in order to illustrate a course of proceeding on another occasion condescendingly adopted by God. Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be (when it hath been) confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto (ὅμως ἀνθρώπου κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ η} ἐπιδιατάσσεται). The Authorized Version has thus happily rendered the ὅμως, which is here transposed cut of its logical position, as it is also in <a href="/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">1 Corinthians 14:7</a>, and as ἔτι is in <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Romans 5:6</a>. The apostle's meaning is that, if even men are constrained by their sense of justice to abide by this rule, much more may the All-righteous One be expected to do so. This a fortiori suggestion (for St. Paul only hints this consideration by introducing the word ὅμως without explicitly developing it) is similar to the afortiori argument more explicitly stated by our Lord with reference to God's justice, in <a href="/luke/18-6.htm">Luke 18:6, 7</a>; and to his fatherliness, in <a href="/luke/11-13.htm">Luke 11:13</a>. "Covenant." The word διαθήκη, properly "disposition," which, in classical Greek, generally means "will," "testament," is used in the Septuagint to render the Hebrew berith, covenant, in which sense it occurs once in Aristophanes, 'Ayes,' 439; and it appears to denote "covenant" in all the thirty-three places in which it is found in the New Testament; for even <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17</a> can hardly be allowed to be an exception. Bishop Lightfoot observes that the Septuagint translators and the New Testament writers probably preferred διαθήκη to συνθήκη, the ordinary Greek word for "covenant," when speaking of a Divine dispensation, because, like "promise," it better expresses the free grace of God. Perhaps the terms appeared to them more suitable also in this application, because one of the parties to the engagement was no other than the supreme sovereign Disposer of all things. "Confirmed;" ratified; as it were, signed, sealed, and delivered. "No one;" meaning neither of the two covenanting parties. "Addeth thereto;" addeth any fresh condition, such as would clog the action of the previous engagement. The apostle adds this with reference to the supposition that the Law of Moses might have qualified the Abrahamic covenant by limiting its benefits to persons ceremonially clean. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Brothers, Ἀδελφοί (Adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. let me put this λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. in human terms. κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). Even ὅμως (homōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3676.htm">Strong's 3676: </a> Yet, nevertheless, even. Adverb from the base of homou; at the same time, i.e. notwithstanding, yet still. a human covenant, διαθήκην (diathēkēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> From diatithemai; properly, a disposition, i.e. a contract. once it is ratified, κεκυρωμένην (kekyrōmenēn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2964.htm">Strong's 2964: </a> To ratify, confirm, make valid, reaffirm, assure. From the same as kurios; to make authoritative, i.e. Ratify. cannot οὐδεὶς (oudeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. be canceled ἀθετεῖ (athetei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_114.htm">Strong's 114: </a> From a compound of a and a derivative of tithemi; to set aside, i.e. to disesteem, neutralize or violate. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. amended. ἐπιδιατάσσεται (epidiatassetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1928.htm">Strong's 1928: </a> To make an additional testamentary disposition, To furnish with additions. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:15 Brothers speaking of human terms though it (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/3-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 3:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/3-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 3:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:16" /></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>