Galatians 3:15

Brethren Commentators note the softened tone of this address, as compared with the previous severity of rebuke. It is due to the influence on the Apostle's mind of the thought expressed in Galatians 3:14. Realising the share which the Gentiles enjoyed in Abraham's blessing and in the promise of the Spirit, his heart is enlarged with tender compassion, and with that love which is the first-fruit of the Spirit (c. Galatians 5:22).

after the manner of men Lit. -according to man", a familiar mode of expression with St Paul. Romans 3:5 (Romans 6:19); 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Corinthians 15:32; Galatians 1:11. The plur. -after the manner of men", occurs 1 Peter 4:6. In all these passages the sense is "according to an ordinary human standard, as men commonly judge, or speak, or act".

though it be but a man's covenant The word here rendered -covenant" is used in the Sept. and N. T. of any settlement, agreement, or contract between two parties; or of an engagement by which one party makes over certain privileges or property to another for his benefit. This may take effect during the lifetime of the party so covenanting, or after his death. In the latter case it has the sense of a will, or testament. [From the fact that the Vulgate translates it by testamentum, the word testamentis used wronglyas its equivalent in A. V., Matthew 25:28 and other passages, and also as the familiar title of the two portions of Holy Scripture.] In every passage of the N. T. (probably not excepting Hebrews 9:15-17, on which see Scholefield's Hints, pp. 100 104) the word should be rendered -covenant". The mention of -inheritance" (Galatians 3:18) does not affect this statement, for the heirs of this covenant do not succeed on the death of its Author.

if it be confirmed In the generalcase, the confirmation of the agreement would be attended by certain formalities, such as the slaying of animals (see Scholefield's Hints, referred to above), or, as in the particularinstance, by an oath. Comp. Hebrews 6:16-17; Luke 1:73.

no man disannulleth … thereto When once it has been formally ratified, no man cancels it, or supersedes it by making a new one.

addeth thereto Of course fresh clauses may be added for the advantage of the beneficiary. But no new conditions may be introduced. The force of these words is more apparent as applied to the particular case, than as a general proposition. The condition of obedience as a ground of justification, introduced by the Law, is fatal to the covenant of free promise made to Abraham. We cannot believe that God would have acted in a manner from which men would shrink as inconsistent with rectitude

In this verse St Paul lays down a broad principle of justice, recognised by honourable men in their transactions with one another, and from it he deduces the special inference.