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 added?[a] Because of transgressions, until the descendant[b] came to whom the promise pertained. It was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one. 21 So is the Law in conflict with the promises of God? Of course not! For if a law had been given that could give us life, then certainly righteousness would come through the Law. 22 But the Scripture has captured everything by means of sin’s net, so that what was promised by the faithfulness of[c] the Messiah[d] might be granted to those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:19 The Gk. lacks added
  2. Galatians 3:19 Lit. seed
  3. Galatians 3:22 Or by faith in
  4. Galatians 3:22 Or Christ