Galatians 3:14

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Galatians 3:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Galatians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the blessing of Abraham, etc..] The same blessing Abraham enjoyed, even justification by the righteousness of Christ; and what was promised to Abraham, that in him, his seed, that is Christ, the Gentiles should be blessed, or justified; for though this blessing may in general comprise every spiritual blessing, yet it chiefly regards that of justification; or a deliverance from the curse of the law, and which is the end of Christ's being made a curse, that this blessedness might come on the Gentiles; the uncircumcision, as well as the circumcision; (see <450409>Romans 4:9) that is, upon as many of them as were ordained unto eternal life, and in consequence of that believe in Christ;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The intent of "Christ becoming a curse for us"; "To the end that upon the Gentiles the blessing of Abraham (that is, promised to Abraham, namely, justification by faith) might come in Christ Jesus" (compare Gal 3:8). that we might receive the promise of the Spirit--the promised Spirit (Joe 2:28-29; Luk 24:49). This clause follows not the clause immediately preceding (for our receiving the Spirit is not the result of the blessing of Abraham coming on the Gentiles), but "Christ hath redeemed us," &c. through faith--not by works. Here he resumes the thought in Gal 3:2. "The Spirit from without, kindles within us some spark of faith Whereby we lay hold of Christ, and even of the Spirit Himself,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the blessing of Abraham - The blessing which Abraham enjoyed, to wit, that of being justified by faith. “Might come on the Gentiles.” As well as on the Jews. Abraham was blessed in this manner before he was circumcised Romans 4:11, and the same blessing might be imparted to others also who were not circumcised; see this argument illustrated in the notes at Romans 4:10-12. Through Jesus Christ - Since he has been made a curse for all, and since he had no exclusive reference to the Jews or to any other class of people, all may come and partake alike of the benefits of his salvation. That we might receive the promise of the Spirit - That all we who are Christian converts. The promise of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the blessing of Abraham - The blessing promised to him. Might come on the gentiles - Also. That we - Who believe, whether Jews or gentiles. Might receive the promise of the Spirit - Which includes all the other promises. Through faith - Not by works; for faith looks wholly to the promise. Galatians 3:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:14 Christ Jesus has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing . . . promised to Abraham, as described in 3:6-13. Paul equates this blessing with receiving the promised Holy Spirit (3:2-6; see also Rom 8:1-17, 23; Eph 1:13-14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the blessing: Gal 3:6-9, Gal 3:29; Gen 12:2, Gen 12:3; Isa 41:8, Isa 51:2, Isa 51:3; Rom 4:3-17 through: Gal 3:16; Gen 22:18; Isa 49:6, Isa 52:10; Luk 2:10, Luk 2:11; Act 2:39, Act 3:25, Act 3:26, Act 4:12; Rom 10:9-15; Ti1 2:4-6 might: Gal 3:2, Gal 3:5, Gal 4:6; Isa 32:15, Isa 44:3, Isa 44:4, Isa 59:19-21; Jer 31:33, Jer 32:40; Eze 11:19; Eze 36:26, Eze 36:27, Eze 39:29; Joe 2:28, Joe 2:29; Zac 12:10; Luk 11:13, Luk 24:49; Joh 7:39; Act 1:4, Act 1:5, Act 2:33, Act 2:38, Act 5:32, Act 10:45-47, Act 11:15, Act 11:16; Rom 8:9-16, Rom 8:26; Rom 8:27; Co1 12:13; Co2 1:22; Eph 1:13, Eph 1:14, Eph 2:18, Eph 2:22, Eph 3:16, Eph 4:30; Pe1 1:22; Jde 1:19, Jde 1:20 Galatians 3:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification