Intent of the Law

15 (A)Brothers and sisters, (B)I speak [a]in terms of human relations: (C)even though it is only a man’s [b]covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds [c]conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken (D)to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “(E)And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came (F)430 years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For (G)if the inheritance is [d]based on law, it is no longer [e]based on a promise; but (H)God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:15 Lit according to man
  2. Galatians 3:15 Or will; or testament
  3. Galatians 3:15 Or a codicil
  4. Galatians 3:18 Lit out of, from
  5. Galatians 3:18 Lit out of, from

15 Brothers, let me use an example from everyday life.[a] Once an agreement[b] has been ratified, no one can cancel it or add conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. It doesn’t say “descendants,” referring to many, but “your descendant,”[c] referring to one person, who is the Messiah.[d] 17 This is what I mean: The Law that came 430 years later did not cancel the covenant that God ratified previously. The promise was never nullified. 18 For if the inheritance comes about through the Law, it no longer comes about through the promise. But it was through a promise that God so graciously gave it to Abraham.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:15 Lit. I am speaking according to man
  2. Galatians 3:15 Lit. covenant; or treaty
  3. Galatians 3:16 Gen 12:7
  4. Galatians 3:16 Or Christ