In this introductory statement to a deeper argument on the Abrahamic promise, Paul appeals to a human analogy. The Greek in Galatians 3:15 — Ἀδελφοί, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω· ὅμως ἀνθρώπου κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται — uses legal vocabulary, perfect participles, and third-person indicatives to argue that even human covenants, once ratified, are considered binding. Paul’s logic is grammatical as well as theological: if human agreements are permanent, how much more God’s covenant with Abraham?
The Greek Text in Focus
Ἀδελφοί, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω· ὅμως ἀνθρώπου κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται (Galatians 3:15)
“Brothers, I speak according to human terms: even a human covenant, once ratified, no one nullifies or adds to.”
Grammatical Highlights
- Ἀδελφοί — vocative masculine plural; “Brothers,” direct address.
- κατὰ ἄνθρωπον — preposition + accusative; “according to a man,” i.e., using a human example.
- λέγω — present indicative active, first singular; “I speak.”
- ὅμως — adverb; “nevertheless,” “still.”
- ἀνθρώπου — genitive masculine singular; “of a man,” modifying διαθήκην.
- κεκυρωμένην — perfect passive participle, accusative feminine singular; “having been ratified,” modifying διαθήκην.
- διαθήκην — accusative feminine singular; “covenant, will.”
- οὐδείς — nominative masculine singular; “no one.”
- ἀθετεῖ — present indicative active, third singular; “nullifies.”
- ἐπιδιατάσσεται — present indicative middle, third singular; “adds provisions / amends.”
Vocative and Framing: Ἀδελφοί… λέγω
Paul opens with a direct address (Ἀδελφοί) and frames the entire analogy with κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω — “I speak according to human terms.” This signals a temporary shift from divine revelation to human reasoning. The phrase prepares the reader to follow an analogy rooted in the conventions of Greco-Roman legal contracts.
Perfect Participle: κεκυρωμένην
The participle κεκυρωμένην (from κυρόω, “to ratify”) is in the perfect passive, emphasizing a completed past action with continuing validity. The grammar tells us that the covenant, once made official, remains in force. This sets up Paul’s argument: God’s covenant, like a human testament, cannot be invalidated or altered.
Third-Person General Truth: οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται
The verbs ἀθετεῖ and ἐπιδιατάσσεται are both third-person present indicatives — expressing ongoing general truths. No one (in principle) nullifies or supplements a ratified covenant. The latter verb is middle voice, perhaps highlighting that amending a covenant is an action with direct interest or consequence for the agent — yet still portrayed as improper or impermissible.
| Word / Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| κατὰ ἄνθρωπον | Preposition + Accusative | Adverbial phrase | According to human example |
| κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην | Perfect Passive Participle + Accusative Noun | Object of general truth | Ratified covenant |
| οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ | Negative Pronoun + Present Indicative | Main verb 1 | No one nullifies |
| ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται | Conjunction + Present Indicative Middle | Main verb 2 | Or adds to it |
The Grammar of Unchangeable Promises
Galatians 3:15 shows how Paul uses Greek legal vocabulary and syntax to make a theological point: God’s covenant, like a human will, once ratified, stands. The perfect participle affirms permanence. The indicative verbs declare it inviolable. Even in analogy, Greek grammar serves as a vessel of divine logic — pointing to a God who does not rewrite what He has promised.
