Why does Galatians 3:13 claim the curse is removed by Christ, when Deuteronomy 21:23 still applies the curse to anyone hanged on a tree?

1. Introduction to the Question

Why does Galatians 3:13 declare that the curse of the law is removed by Christ, while Deuteronomy 21:23 indicates that anyone hanged on a tree is cursed? At first glance, these passages might appear contradictory. Deuteronomy affirms that “anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deuteronomy 21:23), yet Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” This entry will explore the biblical, theological, historical, and literary contexts that illuminate how these two passages seamlessly fit together.

2. The Context of Deuteronomy 21:23

Deuteronomy 21:23 states: “You must not leave the body on the tree overnight; be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance”.

In ancient Israel, one who committed a crime worthy of death and was executed could, in certain cases, be displayed by hanging on a tree or wooden stake. This public display illustrated divine judgment, emphasizing the gravity of that individual’s transgression. The body was not to remain hanging overnight to avoid defilement of the land and to show reverence for God’s holiness.

3. The Context of Galatians 3:13

Galatians 3:13 reads: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Paul quotes directly from Deuteronomy 21:23 to demonstrate that the curse of the law – the condemnation humanity deserved for breaking God’s commandments – was placed upon Christ. His crucifixion symbolized His bearing of that curse on our behalf.

In Paul’s letter, the “law” describes the commands in the Torah, which highlight humanity’s sin and the justice of divine condemnation. By taking on this curse, Christ fulfilled the demanded penalty and opened a path for redemption.

4. Harmonizing the Two Passages

1. The Nature of the Curse

The Mosaic Law stated that an individual hanged on a tree was cursed. In New Testament theology, Jesus willingly placed Himself under that curse. He paused not merely as a criminal condemned by Rome but took on the ultimate consequence of sin. Deuteronomy 21:23 still stands as true: being hanged on a tree is indeed linked to a curse. However, in Galatians, the curse Jesus endured was for the redemption of others.

2. Substitutionary Aspect

Deuteronomy’s statement depicts a curse falling on the guilty. Galatians reveals a deeper principle: Christ, though innocent, intentionally bore the punishment of the guilty. The passage does not nullify Deuteronomy’s teaching but shows how Christ used the reality of that curse to absorb it on behalf of humanity.

3. Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus did not come to abolish the Law (cf. Matthew 5:17), but to fulfill its requirements perfectly. By fulfilling Deuteronomy 21:23, He perfected the ancient principle of atonement, rendering Himself as the Lamb who, through this cursed death, removed our sin and restored right relationship with God.

5. Theological Significance

1. Redemption from the Law’s Demands

The Law’s demands spotlit human sinfulness and the necessity of judgment (Romans 3:23). Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied these requirements. Manuscript evidence and textual tradition—reflected in Greek copies from the early centuries (such as the Alexandrian text type)—align in affirming Galatians 3:13’s truth: by becoming our substitute, Christ made full payment for sin.

2. Public Demonstration of Justice and Mercy

Crucifixion in the first century was a public display deeming the victim accursed or rejected (historically confirmed by archaeological findings such as the remains of crucified individuals discovered near Jerusalem). The cross became the stage upon which God’s justice and mercy converged. Justice demanded a curse for sin; mercy offered Christ as its bearer.

3. New Testament Consistency

Consistency within the New Testament arises from the uniform teaching that Christ’s sacrifice uniquely rescues believers from eternal separation from God. Other passages (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21) complement Galatians 3:13 by illustrating that Christ’s death was vicarious—He bore sin in our place so that we might receive righteousness and reconciliation.

6. Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological discoveries support the historical plausibility of crucifixion as a method of execution in the Roman world. Excavations, such as that of a crucified man named Yehohanan in first-century Jerusalem, validate the physical reality of what the Scriptures convey. While these findings do not by themselves prove theological claims, they confirm the method by which Christ’s curse-bearing death occurred.

Additionally, ancient Jewish and Roman historical documents (e.g., writings of Josephus and Tacitus) acknowledge the crucifixion’s reality. This supports the biblical account of how Christ’s death occurred in a manner that fits Deuteronomy 21:23’s depiction of curse-bearing on wood.

7. Christ’s Role as the “Last Adam”

Scripture describes Christ as the “Last Adam,” meaning that He reversed the dire effects of humanity’s fall (1 Corinthians 15:45). Adam’s disobedience brought a curse (Genesis 3), while Christ’s obedience, culminating in the cross, broke the power of that curse. Galatians 3:13 presents a key dimension of this reversal: through one man (Adam) came condemnation; through another Man (Christ) came redemption.

8. Practical Implications for Believers

1. Assurance of Salvation

Because Christ has taken the curse, believers no longer stand condemned under the Law (Romans 8:1). This provides assurance of salvation for anyone who places trust in His redemptive work.

2. Freedom from Bondage

Those who embrace Christ’s atoning work experience release from the demands and penalties of sin. Redemption in Christ ushers believers into the freedom of serving God out of gratitude rather than from fear of condemnation.

3. New Identity in Christ

Recognizing Christ’s curse-bearing act fosters humility and joy. Believers find identity not in personal achievement but in the fact that Christ merited salvation in their place.

9. Conclusion

Galatians 3:13 and Deuteronomy 21:23 are not contradictory but complementary. Deuteronomy affirms the reality of a God-ordained curse for those hanged on a tree. Galatians 3:13 explains that Christ, who was sinless, willingly replaced sinful humanity in bearing that curse. He fulfilled the Law’s requirement, satisfied divine justice, and opened a path for immeasurable grace.

In short, Christ’s crucifixion was the ultimate demonstration of God’s mercy harmonizing with the Law. Far from nullifying Deuteronomy’s teaching, Galatians shows its magnificent conclusion: the curse does indeed fall upon one hanged on a tree, and Christ gladly bore it so that He might set humankind free.