Gal 3:15-16 | RWP | e4.org | After the manner of men ( κατα ανθρωπον ). After the custom and practice of men, an illustration from life. Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed ( ομως ανθρωπου κεκυρωμενην διαθηκην ). Literally, "Yet a man's covenant ratified." On Διαθηκη as both covenant and will see on ; ; ; . On κυροω , to ratify, to make valid, see on . Perfect passive participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation. Maketh it void ( αθετε ). See on for this verb. Both parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise. Addeth thereto ( επιδιατασσετα ). Present middle indicative of the double compound verb επιδιατασσομα , a word found nowhere else as yet. But inscriptions use διατασσομαι, διαταξισ, διαταγη, διαταγμα with the specialized meaning to "determine by testamentary disposition" (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East , p. 90). It was unlawful to add ( επ ) fresh clauses or specifications ( διαταξεις ).

‏ Galatians 3:15-16

After the manner of men ( κατα ανθρωπον ). After the custom and practice of men, an illustration from life.

Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed ( ομως ανθρωπου κεκυρωμενην διαθηκην ). Literally, "Yet a man's covenant ratified." On Διαθηκη as both covenant and will see on Mt 26:28; 1Co 11:25; 2Co 3:6; Heb 9:16f. On κυροω, to ratify, to make valid, see on 2Co 2:8. Perfect passive participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation.

Maketh it void ( αθετε ). See on 2:21 for this verb. Both parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise.

Addeth thereto ( επιδιατασσετα ). Present middle indicative of the double compound verb επιδιατασσομα, a word found nowhere else as yet. But inscriptions use διατασσομαι, διαταξισ, διαταγη, διαταγμα with the specialized meaning to "determine by testamentary disposition" (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 90). It was unlawful to add ( επ ) fresh clauses or specifications ( διαταξεις ).

But as of one ( αλλ' ως εφ' ενος ). But as in the case of one.

Which is Christ ( ος εστιν Χριστος ). Masculine relative agreeing with Χριστος though σπερμα is neuter. But the promise to Abraham uses σπερμα as a collective substantive and applies to all believers (both Jews and Gentiles) as Paul has shown in verses 7-14, and as of course he knew full well Here Paul uses a rabbinical refinement which is yet intelligible. The people of Israel were a type of the Messiah and he gathers up the promise in its special application to Christ. He does not say that Christ is specifically referred to in Ge 13:15 or 17:7f.