Bible Strands
Galatians 3:16
The 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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Galatian churches, mid-argument (3:15–18), to show that the Mosaic law cannot revoke the earlier covenant God made with Abraham.
The words — σπέρμα (sperma), "seed," appears in both singular (τὸ σπέρμα) and plural (τὰ σπέρματα) forms; the verse turns on Paul's claim that the singular form points to one person, not a collective.
The thread — The same singular "seed" language appears in Genesis 17:7 (covenant with Abraham and his seed) and is echoed in Romans 4:13 (promise to Abraham and his offspring) and Luke 1:55 (promise to Abraham and his seed forever).
Why it lands — If the promise was always directed at one person, then no one can claim the covenant by adding law-keeping requirements; the reader must reckon that the covenant line runs through Christ alone, not through a system of observance.
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
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Cross-references
- Genesis 17:7 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.
- Romans 4:13 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.
- Luke 1:55 as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
- Genesis 22:17 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.
- Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
- Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
- Genesis 12:7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
- Genesis 26:3 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.
- Genesis 28:13 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.
- Galatians 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”