Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 3:10

"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." — Galatians 3:10 (ASV)

In this and the following verses, the action of the Law is contrasted with that of faith, and the necessity of faith and the system to which faith belongs are thereby brought into strong relief. The antithesis is: faith—blessing; law—curse. The “curse” was the penalty that the Law itself imposed on all who failed to keep it. No one truly kept it, and therefore no one escaped this curse.

As many as are of the works of the law. This expression corresponds to “those who are of faith” in Galatians 3:7, 9. It refers to those who derive their character from works done in obedience to law—those whose lives are fundamentally shaped by the principle of legal obedience.

Under the curse. Strictly, this means they are under a curse; subject to a curse.

For it is written. The Apostle proceeds to quote the clause in the Law by which this curse was entailed. The quotation is from Deuteronomy 27:26, where it forms the conclusion of the series of curses to be pronounced from Mount Ebal. The Hebrew text reads, Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law to do them. The word “all” is inserted in the Authorized Version, probably from this passage.

The Hebrew also has simply “he that” instead of “everyone who,” so the absolute and sweeping nature of the condemnation would seem to be much less marked in the original. It is not, however, clear that this characteristic was first given to it by St. Paul. “Everyone” is found in the Peshito Syriac, which may have been influenced by the language of St. Paul; “in all things” is found in the Samaritan Pentateuch, which certainly was not so influenced. The quotation is made by Justin (Trypho, § 95) in precisely the same words as by St. Paul. Justin, however, is probably quoting through this Epistle. (See Introduction.)