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19 (A)Why the Law then? It was added [a]because of trespasses, having been (B)ordained through angels (C)by the hand of a mediator, until (D)the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now (E)a mediator is not [b]for one person only, whereas God is one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? (F)May it never be! For (G)if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed be by law. 22 But the Scripture has (H)shut up [c]everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:19 Or for the sake of defining
  2. Galatians 3:20 Lit of one
  3. Galatians 3:22 Lit all things

The Law’s origin and purpose

19 So why was the Law given? It was added because of offenses, until the descendant would come to whom the promise had been made. It was put in place through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now the mediator does not take one side; but God is one. 21 So, is the Law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! If a Law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would in fact have come from the Law. 22 But scripture locked up all things under sin, so that the promise based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ might be given to those who have faith.

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