What is the meaning of Galatians 3:22?

But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin

“Scripture has locked up everything under sin” (Galatians 3:22).

• From Genesis 3 onward, the written Word consistently shows that humankind is not partially flawed but totally shut in by sin’s power (Psalm 14:2-3; Romans 3:9-12).

• The Law, far from providing a ladder to reach God, functions like a jailer confirming our captivity (Galatians 3:10-11; James 2:10).

• Because Scripture is God-breathed and inerrant (2 Timothy 3:16), its verdict is final: every person stands guilty and helpless apart from divine intervention.

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so that by faith in Jesus Christ

“so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given…”

• The purpose of Scripture exposing sin is not despair but direction—pointing us to the only escape: trusting Jesus (John 3:14-18).

• Faith here is not mere mental assent; it is personal reliance on the crucified and risen Lord (Romans 10:9-11).

• The Law closes every other door so that Christ alone remains open (Acts 4:12).

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the promise might be given

“…the promise might be given…”

• “The promise” recalls God’s oath to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8, 16).

• It includes forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:17-18), the indwelling Spirit (Galatians 3:14), and eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4).

• Notice “given,” not “earned.” Grace gifts what works never could (Ephesians 2:8-9).

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to those who believe

“…to those who believe.”

• The blessing is universally offered yet individually received; belief is the God-ordained channel (John 1:12-13).

• Neither ethnic lineage (Galatians 3:28-29) nor human effort (Titus 3:5) qualifies a person—only faith.

• This levels the ground: the vilest sinner and the most devout moralist come the same way (Luke 18:13-14).

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summary

Galatians 3:22 packs God’s rescue plan into one sentence: Scripture first locks every human in the same prison—sin—then throws open a single exit—faith in Jesus—through which God freely hands over His ancient promise. Sin’s sentence is universal, Christ’s offer is exclusive, and the only qualification is believing hearts that reach out to receive.