Bible Strands
Galatians 3:15
Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian believers immediately after explaining that the Spirit's promise comes through faith, using a familiar legal analogy to ground his argument.
The words — The Greek διαθήκην (diathēkēn) refers to a legally binding covenant or will, while κεκυρωμένην (kekurōmenēn) specifies an agreement that has been formally ratified and confirmed.
The thread — The text's claim that a ratified covenant cannot be amended or revoked runs parallel to Hebrews 9:17, which states a will takes effect only after the testator dies, and directly sets up Galatians 3:16's focus on the singular seed.
Why it lands — The passage states that once God's promise is established, no human addition or cancellation is permitted, requiring the reader to abandon attempts to modify divine terms and rest on the confirmed word.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 9:17 because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.
- Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
- Romans 3:5 But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.
- 1 Corinthians 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”