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.