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Putting doctrine aside for a minute. The words in question mean "if not", "unless"
Here is a citation from Strong's:
G3362 ἐάν μή ean me (e-an' mee') cond.
if not, i.e. unless.
[i.e. G1437 and G3361]
KJV: X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not
Root(s): G3361, G1437
Here is the citation on the conditional particle ἐάν.
G1437 ἐάν ean (e-an') cond.
in case that, provided that, etc.
{Often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty}
[from G1487 and G302, a conditional particle]
KJV: before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever)
And here is the citation on the negative particle μή.
G3361 μή me (mee') prt.
1. (adverb) not.
2. (also) no (nor, neither).
3. (conjunction) lest.
4. (interrogative) whether.
5. (rhetorically) “¿!” (denoting that the following question is rhetorical).
6. (example, with G3756) “¿! Did you not know that was wrong? Of, course you did.” (typically, G3361 sets off the rhetorical question while G3756 negates the verb).
7. (specially, with genitive verb) without (acting or doing).
8. (as Hebraic idiom) may it never (happen).
9. (rarely, inverted double negative, emphatic) by no means.
{as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 expects an affirmative one); Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations}
[a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas G3756 expresses an absolute denial)]
This is an excerpt from the BDAG on the words translated "but, if not, and unless" highlighted in red above.
β. ἐὰν μή if not, unless w. pres. subj. ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ᾖ ἀξία Mt 10:13; cp. Lk 13:3; J 3:2f, 5, 27. Mostly w. aor. subj. ἐὰν μὴ περισσεύσῃ Mt 5:20; 6:15; 12:29; 18:3; 21:21; Mk 3:27; 4:22 (s. KBeyer, Semitische Syntax im NT, ’62, 131); J 4:48; 6:44; 7:51; Ro 10:15; 1 Cor 9:16; 14:6; unless, without ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸ πίω Mt 26:42. W. fut. ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν Rv 2:22.
Paul used in in accordance in respect to how the words are understood together. Not that the KJV is the end all but nowhere "in his writings" is it translated in the KJV but, but in Galatians.
Because the word "but" alone ignores the negative particle μή.
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
1Cor 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
1Cor 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
1Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
1Cor 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
1Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Cor 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
2Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Tim 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
As was shown in the OP a couple translations have it right. Here are some of them, there are probably more.
Gal 2:16 (YLT) having known also that a man is not declared righteous by works of law, if not through the faith of Jesus Christ, also we in Christ Jesus did believe, that we might be declared righteous by the faith of Christ, and not by works of law, wherefore declared righteous by works of law shall be no flesh.'
Gal 2:16 (CTOCNC) knowing that a man is not justified by works of law unless by means of a belief in Jesus Christ, even, we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified for a belief in Christ and not for works of law; because for works of law no flesh can be justified.
Gal 2:16 (MLV) knowing that a man is not justified from the works of the law unless it is through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified from our faith in Christ and not from the works of the law: because from the works of the law no flesh will be justified.
The Word of God needs to be as it is not as we want it according to what we think it should be according to doctrine. So if we think there is a contradiction, and we know there can't be then there is an issue in the way we are understanding the text in question. So what is it that we are misinterpreting?
Very well put Him. And to confirm this understanding, here is what is also written.
John 17: 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Rev. 14: 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Matt. 6: 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In my understanding, having separated myself from mainstream teaching and studied apart from their influence as much as is possible in this world, our repentance is to be towards God. It is Him that we need to be reconciled to. It is Him that we refused to Honor and Glorify. As Paul and Jesus Teaches, when we "turn to God" or "Yield ourselves servants to obey God" in repentance, He gives us to His Appointed, anointed Priest for cleansing/redemption/justification.
John 17: 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men "which thou gavest me" out of the world: thine they were, "and thou gavest them me" and they have kept thy word.
The Mainstream God of Abraham religions of Jesus Time had rejected God's Righteousness in favor of their own. When the Prophets, by the Spirit of Christ, spoke to them, they refused to listen and repent.
Ez. 18: 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
When God sent His own Son, their Redeemer who promoted the exact same Gospel, they rejected Him as well.
They were not given by God to His Appointed Priest, nor did God give HIS Appointed Priest to them. Because when they knew God, they didn't glorify Him as God.
This "repentance" towards God is essential for Salvation. As God's Appointed Priest points out. Luke 13: 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
The religions of Jesus Time refused to repent and turn to God. Choosing instead to walk in and promote the religious philosophies and doctrines of men.
In modern religions, it is the same. There is no repentance towards God, rather religions who walk in and promote the religious philosophies and doctrines of men.
Matt. 7: 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
These men recognize God's Priest, they have Faith in Him, they give Him credit for everything they do, so according to popular modern religious philosophy, these men are saved, and cannot lose eternal life ever. But what does Jesus actually say?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
No repentance towards God.
So the Pharisees, who rejected God's Commandments Statutes and Judgments by their own religious traditions, were trying to be justified by the "works" of an old Priesthood Covenant.
Modern religions, who also reject God's Commandments Statutes and Judgments by their own religious traditions, are trying to be justified by belief in God's New Priest.
None of these religions consider or understand Paul's words "For we are his (God's) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Your reply is spot on in my view. It's not "But" Faith, rather, "And" Faith, "these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
Without Christ, we can do nothing. Without God, we don't have Christ.
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