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Galatians 3:10-22
Common English Bible
Galatians 3:10-22
Common English Bible
10 All those who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone is cursed who does not keep on doing all the things that have been written in the Law scroll.[a] 11 But since no one is made righteous by the Law as far as God is concerned, it is clear that the righteous one will live on the basis of faith.[b] 12 The Law isn’t based on faith; rather, the one doing these things will live by them.[c] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—because it is written, Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.[d] 14 He redeemed us so that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, and that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brothers and sisters, I’ll use an example from human experience. No one ignores or makes additions to a validated will. 16 The promises were made to Abraham and to his descendant. It doesn’t say, “and to the descendants,” as if referring to many rather than just one. It says, “and to your descendant,” who is Christ. 17 I’m saying this: the Law, which came four hundred thirty years later, doesn’t invalidate the agreement that was previously validated by God so that it cancels the promise. 18 If the inheritance were based upon the Law, it would no longer be from the promise. But God has given it graciously to Abraham through a promise.
The Law’s origin and purpose
19 So why was the Law given? It was added because of offenses, until the descendant would come to whom the promise had been made. It was put in place through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now the mediator does not take one side; but God is one. 21 So, is the Law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! If a Law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would in fact have come from the Law. 22 But scripture locked up all things under sin, so that the promise based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ might be given to those who have faith.
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Galatians 3:10-22
New International Version
Galatians 3:10-22
New International Version
10 For all who rely on the works of the law(A) are under a curse,(B) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[a](C) 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,(D) because “the righteous will live by faith.”[b](E) 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[c](F) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law(G) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[d](H) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,(I) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.(J)
The Law and the Promise
15 Brothers and sisters,(K) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.(L) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[e](M) meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years(N) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;(O) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(P) until the Seed(Q) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(R) and entrusted to a mediator.(S) 20 A mediator,(T) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(U) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(V) 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,(W) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Footnotes
- Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
- Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
- Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
- Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
- Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
Common English Bible (CEB)
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible
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NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.