For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Parallel translations
- WEB For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.
- BSB If I rebuild what I have already torn down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker.
- NKJV For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
- NASB For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a wrongdoer.
- NLT Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
To rebuild the law system Paul tore down would be to make himself a transgressor. Returning to law-righteousness is the real error.
Overview
Paul argues that going back to law-keeping as the basis of acceptance would prove him guilty, not righteous. Having abandoned that system for Christ, to reinstate it would betray the gospel. The point reinforces that the answer to sin is grace, not a renewed reliance on the law.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Gal 4:9–12But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
- Gal 2:4–5And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
- Gal 2:12–16For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
- Rom 14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
- Gal 2:21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
- 1 Cor 8:11–12And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
- Gal 5:11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ became a curse for us to redeem us from the law's curse, that we might receive the Spirit and be sons — justified by faith in him, not by works.
How Galatians 2:18 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.