19 Why then the law? (A)It was added because of transgressions, (B)until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was (C)put in place through angels (D)by an intermediary. 20 Now (E)an intermediary implies more than one, but (F)God is one.

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For (G)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture (H)imprisoned everything under sin, so that (I)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given (J)to those who believe.

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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