What is the Works of the Law?

This particular phrase, "Works of the Law," is a rather obscure term being found only eight times throughout the entire Bible. What’s even more Remarkable, is that it doesn't find mention in the early texts of the Babylonian or Jerusalem Talmuds.

Despite its infrequent biblical usage and absence in Jewish texts, "Works of the Law" has been invoked by many preachers worldwide, often to make contentious statements that are contrary to the Torah of God.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this phrase, it's essential to delve briefly into early Judaism for historical context.

Unlike the modern landscape of the two major branches of Judaism today, (Reform and Conservative). Ancient Jerusalem witnessed the coexistence of four major sects: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots. These diverse sects gave rise to numerous subgroups, each with their own unique interpretations of Jewish Law and the Torah. It is within the Essene community that we encounter the origins of the phrase "Works of the Law."

The “Miqsat Ma’ase haTorah” translated into English as “Works of the Law” or “Precepts of the Torah”, is a part of a collective of scrolls unearthed in the Qumran caves known today as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are attributed to the Essenes.

What is interesting to note within the Essenes writings, is their concept of righteousness.

In 4QMMT, section C, Lines 26B through 31. We get a glimpse of their belief on righteousness:

“Now we have written to you some of the works of the law, those we have determined would be beneficial for you and it will be reckoned to you as righteousness. In that you have done what is right before him”

These "Works of the Law" consisted of twenty-four ritual purification commandments intended to confer righteousness for those who adhered to them. Paul challenges this belief and rebukes the Galatians for entertaining this idea, in Galatians 3.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In summary, this study sought to shed light on the proper application of the term "Works of the Law" and its origins in the Essene community, who believed righteousness came through ritual purification. This differs significantly from what Paul taught the Galatians, he emphasized that righteousness was attained through hearing of Faith (Hearing the Gospel).

Shalom.