Purpose of the Law

19 What purpose then does the law serve? (A)It was added because of transgressions, till the (B)Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was (C)appointed through angels by the hand (D)of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, (E)but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined (F)all under sin, (G)that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

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The Addition of the Law

19 Why then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the descendant should come to whom it had been promised, having been ordered through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now the mediator is not for one, but God is one.

21 Therefore is the law opposed to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, certainly righteousness would have been from the law. 22 But the scripture imprisoned all under sin, in order that the promise could be given by faith[a] in Jesus Christ to those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:22 Or “through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ”