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.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:19 Or because of transgressions

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(A) until the Seed(B) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(C) and entrusted to a mediator.(D) 20 A mediator,(E) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(F) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(G)

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