Galatians 3:19

Translations

Modern

Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.

Traditional

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Literal

Why then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed to whom promise has been made shall have come, having been ordained through angels in the hand of a mediator.

Latin

Quid igitur lex? Propter transgressiones posita est donec veniret semen, cui promiserat, ordinata per angelos in manu mediatoris.

Original

Greek

English

Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.

Notes

Galatians 3:19

If people do not receive God's inheritance through the law, why was the law given to Moses? It was to show people their sins and make it clear that sinful actions are wrongs done against God. People cannot rely on their own goodness to save them. Instead, they must trust in God (see Romans 3:19 –20; 4:15; 5:20; 7:7 –13).
until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred: See Galatians 3:16. While the promise is permanent, the law of Moses was temporary. With Christ’s coming, the law was fulfilled (see Matthew 5:17 –20; compare Matthew 3:13 –15; John 19:30). God's acceptance is based entirely on faith in Christ.
through angels: Deuteronomy 33:2 in the Greek version (the Septuagint) describes the Lord's coming from Sinai “with myriads of holy ones, angels with him at his right hand.” See also Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:38, 53; Hebrews 2:2.
By a mediator: The mediator was Moses (see Exodus 20:19; Deuteronomy 5:24 –27). As a mediator, Moses spoke to God for the people and spoke to the people for God.

Galatians 3:19–22

Paul's argument might make those hearing his message think the law of Moses has no purpose. However, Paul emphasizes the law's true purpose in order to correct false teaching about the law.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Moses Paul (Saul) Angels Biblical Law Our Advocate The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Acts 7:53
…you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”
Romans 7:7–13
What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”
Hebrews 2:2
For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,
Galatians 3:16
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.
1 Timothy 1:8–9
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.
Romans 5:20–21
The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
Romans 4:15
…because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.
Romans 3:19–20
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Acts 7:38
He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.
Deuteronomy 5:5
At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said:
Romans 3:1–2
What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?
Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.

Galatians 3:19

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics