Definition: Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a manâs covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 3:15. It’s a really important and often confusing one, so let's go through it slowly. Here’s the gist: This verse is saying that even though a covenant (a promise or agreement) is just a man’s agreement – a personal deal – it’s confirmed and cannot be broken . It’s like a handshake – it's real, it's binding, and it's strong. Let’s break it down word by word: “Brethren…” : This tells us who the speaker is – it’s addressing believers (people who have faith in Jesus). “…I speak after the manner of men…” : This is a little tricky. It means the speaker is speaking from experience , from someone who has been through the process of making and upholding agreements. We're not talking about a formal, written contract. “Though [it be] but a man’s covenant…” : This part acknowledges that it’s a specific agreement made by one person – a covenant made by a man . It's important to remember we’re talking about a human agreement, not divine law. “…yet [if it be] confirmed…” : This is the key part! "Confirmed" means it has stood firm and is reliable. It's not just a fleeting agreement; it's one that’s been established. “No man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.” : This is where the real meaning comes out. “Disannulleth” means to break or annul – to cancel. “Addeth” means to add something. So, "no man disannulleth" means no one breaks it , and "no man addeth thereto" means no one changes it . Putting it all together: The verse is saying that even though a covenant is just a human agreement, it’s already firmly established and can't be changed or broken. It highlights the importance of our faith and the reality of our commitment to God, even without formal legal contracts. What does this mean for us? This verse encourages us to trust in God and in our covenant relationship with Him. It reminds us that our faith is real and that we are part of a group bound together by agreement. It’s about being reliable and committed to God's promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this applies to your life? Or, would you like me to explain a different Bible passage?