3:28a

There is neither Jew nor Greek: This clause means that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between the races of Jew and Greek. Both Jews and Greeks are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no difference between Jew and Greek (New Century Version)
-or-
there is no distinction between Jew and Greek
-or-
it does not matter whether a person is a Jew or a Greek

In some languages, it may be more natural to make the nouns Jew and Greek plural. For example:

there is no difference between Jews and Greeks

If you use the plural form for Jews and Greeks, you should also use plural forms for slaves, free men, men, and women.

Greek: In this context, the word Greek refers to a non-Jew.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

non-Jew
-or-
Gentile

3:28b

slave nor free: This clause is another example that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between a slave and a free man. Both slaves and free men are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no ?difference between a? slave and a free man
-or-

?it does not matter whether one is? a slave or not a slave
-or-

?there is no distinction between? a boss and a worker

3:28c

male nor female: This clause is the third example that among believers, everyone is equal. There is no distinction between men and women. Both men and women are sons of God because they believe in Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

there is no ?distinction between a? man and a woman
-or-

?it does not matter whether a person is? a man or a woman

3:28d

for: Verse 3:28d is the reason why Paul can say that there is no difference between various categories of people (in 3:28a–c). There is no difference for/because everyone is one in Christ Jesus. The Greek introduces this reason with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for.

Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. For example:

You are all the same in Christ Jesus. (God’s Word)

In some languages, no conjunction will be necessary here either.

you are all one: This clause indicates that all believers are equal.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

you are all equal
-or-
You are all the same (God’s Word)

in Christ Jesus: This phrase refers to being united to or joined with Christ Jesus. Believers are united to Christ Jesus because they believe in him.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in union with Christ Jesus (Good News Translation)
-or-
through faith in Christ Jesus (New Century Version)
-or-

?because you believe? in Christ Jesus

General Comment on 3:28

In some languages, it may be more natural to put 3:28d first in the verse. For example:

28d You are all one in Christ Jesus, 28a so there is neither Jew nor Greek, 28b slave nor free, 28c male nor female.

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