An Exegetical Analysis of the Genitive Articular Infinitive in Galatians 3:10b
This exegetical study of the genitive infinitive in Galatians 3:10b is based on a b-greek discussion from October 28, 1999. The initial inquiry focused on understanding the grammatical function of the infinitive clause, specifically τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά, and why it appears in the genitive case within the broader context of Galatians 3:10.
The main exegetical issue at hand is the precise grammatical categorization and semantic force of the genitive articular infinitive τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά. This construction, common in Koine Greek, frequently indicates purpose, result, or even time, depending on its context. In Galatians 3:10b, its presence is crucial for understanding Paul’s argument concerning the Law and its demands, particularly how the Law functions in relation to human action and divine blessing or curse. A thorough analysis will clarify the theological implications of Paul’s citation from Deuteronomy 27:26.
Galatians 3:10b (Nestle 1904)
γέγραπται γάρ, ὅτι Ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς ὃς οὐκ ἐμμένει πᾶσιν τοῖς γεγραμμένοις ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- For the specific phrase τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά, there are no textual variants or significant differences between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. Both editions present the text identically at this point.
- Other textual variants in Galatians 3:10 exist (e.g., regarding πᾶσιν or ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου vs. ἐν τοῖς λόγοις), but these do not impact the form or specific interpretation of τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
The NA28 apparatus confirms that the phrase τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά exhibits no significant textual variants across the major manuscript traditions. This consistency suggests a stable textual tradition for this specific clause, allowing for a focused grammatical and lexical analysis without extensive engagement with textual critical debates for this particular phrase.
Lexical Notes:
- ποιῆσαι (aorist active infinitive of ποιέω): This verb has a broad semantic range, meaning “to make,” “to do,” “to perform,” or “to carry out.” According to BDAG, in ethical and legal contexts, it often implies “to obey,” “to fulfill,” or “to put into practice.” KITTEL (TDNT, s.v. ποιέω) highlights its use in relation to divine commands, where it signifies the active fulfillment or performance of what is decreed. Here, it clearly refers to the active observance and performance of the commandments of the Law.
- αὐτά (neuter plural accusative pronoun): This pronoun refers anaphorically to πᾶσιν τοῖς γεγραμμένοις ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου, meaning “all the things written in the book of the Law.” Thus, αὐτά signifies the individual precepts and commands contained within the Mosaic Law.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The genitive articular infinitive τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά typically functions as a purpose clause, explicating the intent or goal related to the preceding noun or verbal idea. Here, it clarifies the purpose or function of “the book of the Law” (τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου). The grammatical structure is a genitive of purpose, often translated with “in order to,” “for the purpose of,” or “to.”
The phrase is grammatically dependent on τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου. The Law is not merely a collection of writings; it is a collection of writings *for the purpose of* being performed. Paul’s rhetorical point, drawing from Deuteronomy 27:26, is that the Law demands complete and unwavering performance. Failure to *do* (ποιῆσαι) all that is written (πᾶσιν τοῖς γεγραμμένοις) leads to a curse. The genitive infinitive vividly underscores the active, obedience-demanding nature of the Law, setting the stage for Paul’s argument that no one can perfectly fulfill its requirements, thus necessitating salvation by faith.
Common translations reflect this purpose:
- “to do them” (ESV, NIV, KJV) – A straightforward rendering that captures the purpose.
- “for the purpose of doing them” (NASB, NET) – More explicit in conveying the purpose, though slightly more verbose.
The rhetorical force lies in emphasizing the Law’s absolute demand for active obedience as a prerequisite for righteousness, which no one can fully meet. This sets up the contrast with justification by faith in Christ.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The genitive articular infinitive τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά in Galatians 3:10b functions as a genitive of purpose, clearly indicating that the commandments written in the Law exist for the express purpose of being observed and performed. This grammatical construction is fundamental to Paul’s argument that the Law, by its very nature, demands perfect obedience, and failure to meet this standard incurs a curse.
The following translation suggestions aim to capture this purpose accurately while maintaining readability:
- “for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law in order to do them.'”
This translation explicitly highlights the purpose of the Law’s contents: active performance. - “for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all that is written in the book of the Law by doing them.'”
This rendering emphasizes the means by which one abides by the Law—through active obedience—and subtly conveys the purpose. - “for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not consistently obey all the commands recorded in the book of the Law.'”
This suggestion prioritizes idiomatic English, subsuming the “to do them” into the concept of “obeying commands,” which intrinsically implies performance.