The Purpose of the Law

19 Why, then, was the law given?(A) It was added for the sake of transgressions[a] until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels(B) by means of a mediator.(C) 20 Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one.(D) 21 Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power,[b](E) so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith(F) in Jesus Christ to those who believe.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:19 Or because of transgressions
  2. 3:22 Lit under sin

The Purpose of the Law

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring[a] would come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.(A) 20 Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one.(B)

21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 22 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through the faith of Jesus Christ[b] might be given to those who believe.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 3.19 Gk seed
  2. 3.22 Or through faith in Jesus Christ