KJV: But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
YLT: And before the coming of the faith, under law we were being kept, shut up to the faith about to be revealed,
Darby: But before faith came, we were guarded under law, shut up to faith which was about to be revealed.
ASV: But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
| Πρὸ | Before |
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Parse: Preposition Root: πρό Sense: before. |
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| τοῦ | - |
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Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| δὲ | now |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: δέ Sense: but, moreover, and, etc. |
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| ἐλθεῖν | came |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active Root: ἔρχομαι Sense: to come. |
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| τὴν | - |
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Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| πίστιν | faith |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: πίστις Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it. |
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| ὑπὸ | under |
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Parse: Preposition Root: ὑπό Sense: by, under. |
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| νόμον | the Law |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: νόμος Sense: anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command. |
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| ἐφρουρούμεθα | we were held in custody |
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Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 1st Person Plural Root: φρουρέω Sense: to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight. |
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| συνκλειόμενοι | having been locked up |
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Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: συγκλείω Sense: to shut up together, enclose. |
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| εἰς | until |
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Parse: Preposition Root: εἰς Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among. |
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| μέλλουσαν | being about |
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Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: μέλλω Sense: to be about. |
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| ἀποκαλυφθῆναι | to be revealed |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Passive Root: ἀποκαλύπτω Sense: to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up. |
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Greek Commentary for Galatians 3:23
“Before the coming (second aorist active infinitive of ερχομαι erchomai definite event) as to the Faith” (note article, meaning the faith in Galatians 3:22 made possible by the historic coming of Christ the Redeemer), the faith in Christ as Saviour (Galatians 3:22). [source]
Imperfect passive of προυρεω phroureō to guard (from προυρος phrouros a guard). See note on Acts 9:24; note on 2 Corinthians 11:32. It was a long progressive imprisonment. Unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed (eis tēn mellousan pistin apokaluphthēnai). “Unto the faith (Galatians 3:22 again) about to be revealed.” Mellō and the first aorist passive infinitive (regular idiom). [source]
“Unto the faith (Galatians 3:22 again) about to be revealed.” Mellō and the first aorist passive infinitive (regular idiom). [source]
d But the office of the law as a jailer was designed to be only temporary, until the time when faith should come. It was to hold in custody those who were subjected to sin, so that they should not escape the consciousness of their sins and of their liability to punishment. [source]
The subjective faith in Christ which appropriates the promise. See on Galatians 1:23. [source]
Better, kept in ward, continuing the figure in shut up, Galatians 3:22. The imperfect tense indicates the continued activity of the law as a warder. [source]
Const. with were kept in ward, not with shut up. We were shut up with the law as a warder, not for protection, but to guard against escape. Comp. Wisd. 17:15. The figure of the law as pedagogue (Galatians 3:24) is not anticipated. The law is conceived, not as the prison, but as the warder, the Lord or despot, the power of sin (see 1 Corinthians 15:56; Romans 7), by whom those who belong to sin are kept under lock and key - under moral captivity, without possibility of liberation except through faith. [source]
Εἰς untoor for expresses the object of keeping in ward. It is not temporal, until, which is a rare usage in N.T., but with a view to our passing into the state of faith. [source]
The position of μέλλουσαν emphasizes the future state of things to which the earlier conditions pointed. The faith was first revealed at the coming of Christ and the gospel. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Galatians 3:23
Only here, Luke 5:6; Galatians 3:22, Galatians 3:23. A very literal rendering, etymologically considered; con together, claudere to shut. The A.V. followed the Vulgate conclusit. So Hooker: “The person of Christ was only touching bodily substance concluded within the grave.” The word has lost this sense. Rev., hath shut up. Some explain in the later Greek sense, to hand over to a power which holds in ward. [source]
The same use of πιστις pistis (faith) as in Romans 12:3 “the measure of faith.” Old word. αναλογια analogia (our word “analogy”) from αναλογος analogos (analogous, conformable, proportional). Here alone in N.T. The verb προπητευωμεν prophēteuōmen (present active volitive subjunctive, let us prophesy) must be supplied with which εχοντες echontes agrees. The context calls for the subjective meaning of “faith” rather than the objective and outward standard though πιστις pistis does occur in that sense (Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23). [source]
We shall be included in the radiance of the coming glory which will put in the shadow the present sufferings. Precisely the same idiom here with μελλουσαν δοχαν mellousan doxan (aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτηναι apokaluphthēnai) occurs in Galatians 3:23 with μελλουσαν πιστιν mellousan pistin which see. [source]
Better, ye are all sons of God. Note 1. The change of person, ye are. Comp. we, our, us, Galatians 3:23, Galatians 3:24, Galatians 3:25. He now addresses the Galatians, who were mostly Gentiles, and includes all Christians, Jewish and Gentile. 2. The emphasis is on sons of God rather than on all; for his object is to show that, after the coming of faith, they are no more under the care of a guardian. Ὑιοὶ signifies sons of full age (comp. Galatians 4:1) who have outgrown the surveillance of the guardian; so that sons is emphasized as against children. Paul describes Christians both as τέκνα θεοῦ childrenof God (Romans 8:16, Romans 8:21; Romans 9:8; Philemon 2:15), and υἱοὶ θεοῦ sonsof God (Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19; Romans 9:26). Both τέκνον and υἱός signify a relation based on parentage. The common distinction between τέκνον as emphasizing natural relationship, and υἱός as marking legal or ethical status, should not be pressed. In lxx both words are applied ethically to Israel as God's beloved people. See Isaiah 30:1; Wisd. 16:21; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 9:13; and Isaiah 63:6; Deuteronomy 14:1; Wisd. 9:7; 12:19. John never uses υἱός to describe the relation of Christians to God; but he attaches both the ethical relation and that of conferred privilege, as well as that of birth, to τέκνον . See John 1:12; 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:10; John 1:13; John 3:3, John 3:7; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18. Paul often regards the Christian relation from a legal point of view as υἱοθεσία adoptiona word used only by him. See Romans 8:14, Romans 8:17, we have both υἱοὶ and τέκνα , and both in the ethical sense. In Romans 9:8; Ephesians 5:1, the ethical sense. 3. In Christ Jesus. Const. with faith. The article before πίστεως faithmay point back to the faith previously mentioned, or may have, as so often, a possessive force, your faith. [source]
Did shut together. First aorist active indicative of συνκλειω sunkleiō old verb to shut together, on all sides, completely as a shoal of fish in a net (Luke 5:6). So Galatians 3:23; Romans 11:32. [source]
This is the ultimate purpose of the law as paedagogue. Now that faith is come (ελτουσης της πιστεως elthousēs tēs pisteōs). Genitive absolute, “the faith (the time of the faith spoken of in Galatians 3:23) having come.” Under a tutor The pedagogue is dismissed. We are in the school of the Master. [source]
Genitive absolute, “the faith (the time of the faith spoken of in Galatians 3:23) having come.” [source]
“Under law” (no article), as in Galatians 3:23; Galatians 4:4, legalistic system. Paul views them as on the point of surrender to legalism, as “wanting” Paul makes direct reference to these so disposed to “hear the law.” He makes a surprising turn, but a legitimate one for the legalists by an allegorical use of Scripture. [source]
He has just said which was against us ( το καθ ' ἡμῶν ); which stood to our debit, binding us legally. This phrase enlarges on that idea, emphasizing the hostile character of the bond, as a hindrance. Compare Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:56; Galatians 3:23. “Law is against us, because it comes like a taskmaster, bidding us do, but neither putting the inclination into our hearts nor the power into our hands. And law is against us, because the revelation of unfulfilled duty is the accusation of the defaulter, and a revelation to him of his guilt. And law is against us, because it comes with threatenings and foretastes of penalty and pain. Thus, as standard, accuser, and avenger it is against us” (Maclaren). [source]
Present (continuous process) passive articular Intermediate agency (δια dia), the immediate being (εν en in, by) God‘s power.Unto a salvation Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18). [source]
This is what Jesus had said they must be (Acts 1:8) and what Peter claimed to be (Acts 3:15; Acts 10:39). So Paul was to be a μαρτυς martus (Acts 22:15).Who am also a partaker (ο και κοινωνος ho kai koinōnos). “The partner also,” “the partaker also.” See Luke 5:10; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4. See same idea in Romans 8:17. In Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18 we have almost this about the glory about to be revealed to us where μελλω mellō as here is used with the infinitive. [source]
“The partner also,” “the partaker also.” See Luke 5:10; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Peter 1:4. See same idea in Romans 8:17. In Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18 we have almost this about the glory about to be revealed to us where μελλω mellō as here is used with the infinitive. [source]
As in 2 Peter 1:5.Of our common salvation (περι της κοινης ημων σωτηριας peri tēs koinēs hēmōn sōtērias). See this use of κοινος koinos (common to all) in Titus 1:4 with πιστις pistis while in 2 Peter 1:1 we have ισοτιμον πιστιν isotimon pistin which see.I was constrained “I had necessity” like Luke 14:18; Hebrews 7:27.To contend earnestly (επαγωνιζεσται epagōnizesthai). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (επι epi) striving to the already strong αγωνιζεσται agōnizesthai (αγων agōn contest). Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα agōnizou ton kalon agōna the faith (τηιπιστει tēi- απαχ παραδοτεισηι pistei). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in Judges 1:20; Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23; Philemon 1:27.Once for all delivered First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of paradidōmi for which see 2 Peter 2:21. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 6:20. [source]
“I had necessity” like Luke 14:18; Hebrews 7:27.To contend earnestly (επαγωνιζεσται epagōnizesthai). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (επι epi) striving to the already strong αγωνιζεσται agōnizesthai (αγων agōn contest). Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα agōnizou ton kalon agōna the faith (τηιπιστει tēi- απαχ παραδοτεισηι pistei). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in Judges 1:20; Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23; Philemon 1:27.Once for all delivered First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of paradidōmi for which see 2 Peter 2:21. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 6:20. [source]
Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα agōnizou ton kalon agōna the faith Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in Judges 1:20; Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23; Philemon 1:27. [source]
The Greek word is transcribed in Apocalypse. The word occurs only once in the Gospels, Luke 2:32, where to lighten should be rendered for revelation. It is used there of our Lord, as a light to dispel the darkness under which the heathen were veiled. It occurs thirteen times in Paul's writings, and three times in first Peter. It is used in the following senses: (a.) The unveiling of something hidden, which gives light and knowledge to those who behold it. See Luke 2:32(above). Christianity itself is the revelation of a mystery (Romans 16:25). The participation of the Gentiles in the privileges of the new covenant was made known by revelation (Ephesians 3:3). Paul received the Gospel which he preached by revelation (Galatians 1:12), and went up to Jerusalem by revelation (Galatians 2:2). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (b.) Christian insight into spiritual truth. Paul asks for Christians the spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17). Peculiar manifestations of the general gift of revelation are given in Christian assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:26). Special revelations are granted to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:7). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (c.) The second coming of the Lord (1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7) in which His glory shall be revealed (1 Peter 4:13), His righteous judgment made known (Romans 2:5), and His children revealed in full majesty (Romans 8:19). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The kindred verb ἀποκαλύπτω is used in similar connections. Following the categories given above,-DIVIDER- (a.) Galatians 1:16; Galatians 3:23; Ephesians 3:5; 1 Peter 1:12. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (b.) Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27; Matthew 16:17; Luke 10:21, Luke 10:22; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 14:30; Philemon 3:15. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (c.) Matthew 10:26; Luke 2:35; Luke 12:2; Luke 17:30; Romans 1:17, Romans 1:18; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The word is compounded with ἀπό fromand καλύπτω tocover. Hence, to remove the cover from anything; to unveil. So of Balaam, the Lord opened or unveiled his eyes ( ἀπεκάλυψεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς : Numbers 22:31, Sept.). So Boaz to Naomi's kinsman: “I thought to advertise thee:” Rev., “disclose it unto thee” ( ἀποκαλύψω τὸ οὖς σου : Rth 4:4 , Sept.). Lit., I will uncover thine ear. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The noun ἀποκάλυψις revelationoccurs only once in the Septuagint (1 Samuel 20:30), in the physical sense of uncovering. The verb is found in the Septuagint in Daniel 2:19, Daniel 2:22, Daniel 2:28. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In classical Greek, the verb is used by Herodotus (i., 119) of uncovering the head; and by Plato: thus, “reveal ( ἀποκαλύψας ) to me the power of Rhetoric” (“Gorgias,” 460): “Uncover your chest and back” (“Protagoras,” 352). Both the verb and the noun occur in Plutarch; the latter of uncovering the body, of waters, and of an error. The religious sense, however, is unknown to heathenism. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The following words should be compared with this: Ὀπτασία avision (Luke 1:22; Acts 26:19; 2 Corinthians 12:1). Ὅραμα avision (Matthew 17:9; Acts 9:10; Acts 16:9). Ὅρασις avision (Acts 2:17; Revelation 9:17. Of visible form, Revelation 4:3). These three cannot be accurately distinguished. They all denote the thing seen or shown, without anything to show whether it is understood or not. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- As distinguished from these, ἀποκάλυψις includes, along with the thing shown or seen, its interpretation or unveiling. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ἐπιφάνεια appearing(hence our epiphany ), is used in profane Greek of the appearance of a higher power in order to aid men. In the New Testament by Paul only, and always of the second appearing of Christ in glory, except in 2 Timothy 1:10, where it signifies His first appearing in the flesh. See 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13. As distinguished from this, ἀπολάλυψις is the more comprehensive word. An apocalypse may include several ἐπιφάνειαι appearingsThe appearings are the media of the revealings. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Φανέρωσις manifestationonly twice in the New Testament; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 2 Corinthians 4:2. The kindred verb φανερόω tomake manifest, is of frequent occurrence. See on John 21:1. It is not easy, if possible, to show that this word has a less dignified sense than ἀποκάλυψις . The verb φανερόω is used of both the first and the second appearing of our Lord (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 5:4). See also John 2:11; John 21:1. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Some distinguish between φανέρωσις as an external manifestation, to the senses, but single and isolated; while ἀποκάλυψις is an inward and abiding disclosure. According to these, the Apocalypse or unveiling, precedes and produces the φανέρωσις or manifestation. The Apocalypse contemplates the thing revealed; the manifestation, the persons to whom it is revealed. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The Revelation here is the unveiling of the divine mysteries.Of Jesus ChristNot the manifestation or disclosure of Jesus Christ, but the revelation given by Him.To shew ( δεῖξαι )Frequent in Revelation (Revelation 4:1; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9; Revelation 22:1). Construe with ἔδωκεν gavegave him to shew. Compare “I will give him to sit” (Revelation 3:21): “It was given to hurt” (Revelation 7:2): “It was given him to do;” (A.V. “had power to do;” Revelation 13:14).Servants ( δούλοις )Properly, bond-servants. See on Matthew 20:26; see on Mark 9:35.Must ( δεῖ )As the decree of the absolute and infallible God.Shortly come to pass ( γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει )For the phrase ἐν τάχει shortlysee Luke 18:8, where yet long delay is implied. Expressions like this must be understood, not according to human measurement of time, but rather as in 2 Peter 3:8. The idea is, before long, as time is computed by God. The aorist infinitive γενέσθαι is not begin to come to pass, but denotes a complete fulfilment: must shortly come to pass in their entirety. He sent ( ἀποστείλας )See on Matthew 10:2, Matthew 10:16.Signified ( ἐσήμανεν )From σῆμα asign. Hence, literally, give a sign or token. The verb occurs outside of John's writings only in Acts 11:28; Acts 25:27. See John 12:33; John 18:32; John 21:19. This is its only occurrence in Revelation. The word is appropriate to the symbolic character of the revelation, and so in John 12:33, where Christ predicts the mode of His death in a figure. Compare sign, Revelation 12:1.Angel ( ἀγγέλου )Strictly, a messenger. See Matthew 11:10; Luke 8:24; Luke 9:52. Compare the mediating angel in the visions of Daniel and Zechariah (Daniel 8:15, Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 10:10; Zechariah 1:19). See on John 1:51.ServantDesignating the prophetic office. See Isaiah 59:5; Amos 3:7; compare Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9.JohnJohn does not name himself in the Gospel or in the Epistles. Here “we are dealing with prophecy, and prophecy requires the guarantee of the individual who is inspired to utter it” (Milligan). Compare Daniel 8:1; Daniel 9:2. [source]