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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

19 (A)Why the Law then? It was added on account of the [a]violations, having been (B)ordered through angels (C)at the hand of a [b]mediator, until (D)the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now (E)a mediator is not [c]for one party only; but God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? [d](F)Far from it! For (G)if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness [e]would indeed have been [f]based on law. 22 But the Scripture has (H)confined [g]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 I.e., of God’s commands
  2. Galatians 3:19 I.e., Moses
  3. Galatians 3:20 Lit of one
  4. Galatians 3:21 Lit May it never happen!
  5. Galatians 3:21 Or would indeed be
  6. Galatians 3:21 Lit out of, from
  7. Galatians 3:22 Lit all things