Galatians 3 25

Galatians 3:25 kjv

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:25 nkjv

But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 3:25 niv

Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

Galatians 3:25 esv

But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

Galatians 3:25 nlt

And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.

Galatians 3 verses

Galatians 3 25 Meaning

The arrival of faith, as defined by God, signifies that we are no longer under the custody and discipline of the Law.

Galatians 3 25 Context

Galatians 3:25 occurs within a larger argument Paul is making about justification by faith, not by adherence to the Law of Moses. Paul contrasts the previous state of believers, who were under the Law as a "custodian" or "guardian" (paidagōgos), with their current state after the coming of Christ and faith. The Law, while useful for its intended purpose, served as a temporary measure leading to Christ. With the advent of Christ and the new reality of faith, the role of the Law as a tutor and disciplinarian has ended for believers. This passage is part of Paul's defense of the Gospel against Judaizers who insisted on maintaining Jewish legal practices for salvation.

Galatians 3 25 Word Analysis

• Since (Since the coming of faith)
  • The Greek word is "epéi" (ἐπεί).
  • It functions as a causal conjunction, meaning "since," "for," "because," or "now that."
  • It establishes a temporal and causal link: "because the era of faith has arrived..."
  • Signifies the establishment of a new dispensation with the coming of Christ.
• Faith (Faith)
  • The Greek word is "pístis" (πίστις).
  • It refers to trust, belief, faithfulness, and conviction.
  • In this context, it specifically points to saving faith in Jesus Christ, the new relationship established with God through Him.
  • It's not just intellectual assent but a wholehearted reliance on God's provision through Christ.
  • The coming of this faith marks a paradigm shift in the believer's relationship with God.
• We (We)
  • The Greek pronoun is "hēmeis" (ἡμεῖς).
  • Refers to Paul and his Gentile converts, and by extension, all believers.
  • Emphasizes the collective identity of those who have received salvation through faith.
• Are no longer (Are no longer)
  • The Greek is "oukéti" (οὐκέτι).
  • This is an adverb of negation, meaning "no longer" or "not anymore."
  • It signifies a definitive end to a previous condition. The authoritative oversight of the Law has ceased for believers in Christ.
• Under (Under)
  • The Greek preposition is "hupo" (ὑπό).
  • Indicates subordination, subjection, or being under the authority or control of someone or something.
  • In this case, it refers to being under the Law's discipline and authority.
• Custodian / Guardian / Schoolmaster (Custodian)
  • The Greek word is "paidagōgos" (παιδαγωγός).
  • This term is significant. It referred to a slave responsible for a child's upbringing and supervision, escorting the child to school, ensuring discipline, and protecting them.
  • This "paidagōgos" was not the teacher but the responsible overseer, often strict and disciplinary.
  • The metaphor highlights the Law's function: it was a disciplinary overseer, guiding people until they matured in faith.
  • It had a protective and disciplinary role, but was not the ultimate guide or source of spiritual life.
  • This term implies a temporary, subordinate, and child-like stage.

Word Group Analysis

• "Since the coming of faith": This phrase denotes a specific point in redemptive history—the inauguration of the era of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It marks a transition from a state governed by the Law to one governed by faith.
• "We are no longer under a custodian": This clause signifies the cessation of the Law's role as a specific, tutelary authority over believers. The Mosaic Law, which served as a strict guardian for the Jewish people before Christ, no longer exercises its pedagogical dominion over those who have received the Spirit of adoption through faith. The relationship is now one of maturity and freedom, not guardianship.

Galatians 3 25 Bonus Section

The concept of the "paidagōgos" emphasizes that the Law was not inherently evil, but its purpose was specific and temporary. Just as a child eventually grows out of needing a guardian, believers, having come of age in Christ, are no longer under the Law's custodial care. This transition signifies the fulfillment of the Law's purpose in Christ. The grace and truth brought by Jesus (John 1:17) supersede the limitations and disciplinary functions of the Old Covenant Law for the believer. The Mosaic Law's functions are fulfilled and absorbed into the new reality of life in the Spirit, which is a life of freedom and intimate relationship with God as adopted sons and daughters.

Galatians 3 25 Commentary

This verse clearly delineates the shift in the believer's relationship with God's Law following the coming of faith in Jesus Christ. The Law acted as a divinely appointed "custodian" (paidagōgos), a stern but temporary overseer for God's people, especially Israel. This role was to guide, discipline, and protect humanity, keeping them focused on their need for a Savior. However, with the advent of Christ and the establishment of salvation by faith, this guardianship has concluded. Believers are no longer subject to the Law's disciplinary custody. They have entered a new phase of spiritual maturity, operating under grace and the indwelling Spirit, having been freed from the Law's prescriptive and judgmental authority. This transition does not nullify the Law's moral aspect but changes its function and one's relationship to it – moving from legal obligation to a life guided by love and the Spirit.