3:17a

In this verse Paul gave his spiritual application of the human example. He said (in 3:15) that a human document could not be changed. In the same way, God’s covenant promises cannot be changed. God established and ratified the covenant long before the law was given. This means that “believing” came before “doing/obeying” the law.

What I mean is this: This clause introduces the thing that Paul wanted to explain to the Galatians when he gave his human example (in 3:15b).

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Here is the meaning ?of my example?
-or-
The thing that I want you to understand ?about God’s promise to Abraham? is thi
-or-
Here is what I want you to understand

3:17b–d

Before you translate 3:17b–d, consider what is the most natural order in your language for these clauses. In some languages, it will be natural to change the order. Compare the order of the clause in the Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation below:

b The law that came 430 years later c does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, d so as to nullify the promise. (Berean Standard Bible)

c God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. b The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, c cannot break that covenant d and cancel God’s promise. (Good News Translation)

3:17b

The law that came 430 years later: This clause means that God gave the law to Moses 430 years after God made his covenant with Abraham. God established the covenant first. Much later he gave the law.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

The law was given ?to Moses? 430 years after ?God established the covenant with Abraham? .
-or-

?God gave the covenant to Abraham? 430 years before he gave the law.
-or-

?God made his promise with Abraham first.? Then, 430 years later, he gave the law ?of Moses? ?for the people? .

3:17c

does not revoke: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as revoke is a different word than the word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “canceled” in 3:15b. But the meaning is very similar. Many English versions translate the two Greek words with the same English word or expression.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

does not cancel/break
-or-
cannot set aside

the covenant: This word refers to the agreement/promise that God made with Abraham. This same word occurs in 3:15b. If possible, use the same term here as you did there.

In some languages, it will be necessary to use one word for a human covenant and another word or term for a covenant that God makes. When God made a covenant with Abraham, he did not sign a paper.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

a contract
-or-
a promise
-or-
the agreement

See covenant in the Glossary.

previously established by God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as established is the same word used in 3:15b. God had ratified or established his covenant with Abraham (before he gave the law). He established it by verbally promising to keep it.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

that God made
-or-
and promised to keep it (Good News Translation)
-or-
that God sealed

In this verse, you should not translate established with a word that only refers to signing an agreement. God did not literally sign an agreement with Abraham.

3:17d

so as to nullify the promise: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as nullify means “cancel,” “destroy,” or “abolish.” The law did not break or cancel God’s promise with Abraham. This implies that the covenant promises are still in effect.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and cancel God’s promise (Good News Translation)
-or-
and break the agreement

General Comment on 3:17c–d

The clause “revoke the covenant” in 3:17c is similar to “nullify the promise” in 3:17d. In some languages, both clauses can be translated as one. The one clause is underlined below.

The laws ?given to Moses? 430 years after God had already put his promise ?to Abraham? into effect didn’t cancel the promise ?to Abraham? . (God’s Word)

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