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)

¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions^(A) until the Seed^(B) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels^(C) and entrusted to a mediator.^(D)

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(A) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(B) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(C) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.