Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 — 'cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them' — to argue that reliance on the law as a path to justification places the practitioner under an impossible standard. The logical force is debated: Paul appears to argue that law observance inevitably fails to achieve its own standard, triggering the curse, and therefore only the alternative path of faith (Galatians 3:11, quoting Habakkuk 2:4) can bring blessing. The verse is central to the 'new perspective on Paul' debate: scholars like E. P. Sanders and James Dunn argue Paul's concern is boundary markers (circumcision, food laws) rather than a general principle about moral inability. Together with Galatians 3:11–14, the passage forms the scriptural scaffold for Paul's theology of justification by faith apart from law-works.
Other Translations
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.
for as many as are of works of law are under a curse, for it hath been written, `Cursed <FI>is<Fi> every one who is not remaining in all things that have been written in the Book of the Law--to do them,'
For all who are of the works of the law are under a curse: because it is said in the Writings, A curse is on everyone who does not keep on doing all the things which are ordered in the book of the law.
Cross References
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of …
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall …
The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that …
Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.
And say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the …
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: …
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared …
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon …