Paul asks this question to show that there is no reason for people to boast about obeying the law. Alternate translation: "So there is no way that we can boast that God favors us because we obeyed those laws. Boasting is excluded" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
You may need to fill in the words omitted in the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "On what grounds is boasting excluded? Is it excluded on grounds of works? No, it is excluded on the grounds of faith" You can also translate using active forms. Alternate translation: "On what grounds does God exclude boasting? Does he exclude it on the grounds of works? No, he excludes on the grounds of faith" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
# On what grounds? Of works?
Paul asks these questions to get his readers ready to receive the point he is making. Alternate translation: "Let me tell you on what grounds. It is not on the grounds of works." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])