OET interlinear GAL 3:15

3:15a

Brothers: The word Brothers refers to the Galatian believers. Paul used this word to show that he loved them, even though he had just rebuked them.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

My dear fellow believers

Fellow believers in Christ

My dear friends

Relatives

let me put this in human terms: This clause indicates that Paul wanted to explain something. He wanted to further explain that believing is more important than doing/obeying the law. He did this by giving them an example from everyday life.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Here is an example from one of our customs

I will speak about something that happens on the earth so you will understand what I want to say

I will explain to you what I want to say by using something that you already know

3:15b

Even a human covenant: The Greek word that the BSB translates as covenant refers to an official agreement or contract. The contract is between two individuals or two groups. Previously, these agreements/promises could be verbal. In today’s world, such agreements are written documents that are signed by both parties.

One example is a loan document. In this document, a person who has borrowed money and the person who loaned the money agree to the terms of paying back the loan.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

With a human contract

Even with a letter of promise between two people

When two people make an agreement

Some English versions translate the word covenant as “will.” This refers to a “last will” or “testament.” The problem with the English word “will” is that the person who made the will must die before the will comes into effect. God would not make a will, but he did make contracts/promises.

See also covenant in the Glossary.

once it is ratified: The Greek word that the BSB translates as ratified refers to making the agreement/promise legally binding. In verbal agreements, this could be done by shaking hands. Written documents are ratified when the people sign their names or put their fingerprints on the document in front of witnesses. A document can also be ratified when someone puts a stamp or seal on it.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

after the people sign their names on the document

once it has been stamped/sealed

cannot be canceled: The Greek word that the BSB translates as canceled means “rejected” or “annulled.” A third person cannot cancel an agreement that two other people have made.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

no one else can…cancel the agreement (CEV)

a third person cannot break it

no other person can say that it has no strength/force

This same word occurs in 2:21a, where the BSB translates it as “set aside.”

or amended: The Greek word that the BSB translates as amended refers to adding words to the document to change it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

add anything to it (NCV)

change (CEV)