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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 3:21 Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/48_Gal_03_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:21 - The Purpose of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/3-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/3-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/3-20.htm" title="Galatians 3:20">◄</a> Galatians 3:21 <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm" title="Galatians 3:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/3.htm">New International Version</a> Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Is the Law therefore contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law had been given being able to impart life, then righteousness indeed would have emerged from out of the Law. <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Far from it! For if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed be by law. <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a system of law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness (right standing with God) would actually have been based on law. <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Is the law therefore contrary to God&#8217s promises? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly be by the law. <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Does the Law disagree with God's promises? No, it doesn't! If any law could give life to us, we could become acceptable to God by obeying that law. <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Does this mean, then, that the laws given to Moses contradict God's promises? That's unthinkable! If those laws could give us life, then certainly we would receive God's approval because we obeyed them. <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> So is the Law in conflict with the promises of God? Of course not! For if a law had been given that could give us life, then certainly righteousness would come through the Law. <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not. For if there had been a law given which could give life, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law. <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? By no means: for if there had been a law given which could give life, verily righteousness would have been by the law. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> God, however, is only one. Is the Law then opposed to the promises of God? No, indeed; for if a Law had been given which could have conferred Life, righteousness would certainly have come by the Law. <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> [Is] the Law, then, against the promises of God? Let it not be! For if a law was given that was able to make alive, truly there would have been righteousness by law, <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Is the Law therefore contrary to the promises of God? Never may it be! For if a law had been given being able to impart life, then righteousness indeed would have emerged from out of the Law. <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the law, then, is against the promises of God? -- let it not be! for if a law was given that was able to make alive, truly by law there would have been the righteousness, <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The law then against the promises of God? It may not be: for if a law had been given able to make alive, truly justice would be by the law.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Was the law then against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which could give life, verily justice should have been by the law. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, was the law contrary to the promises of God? Let it not be so! For if a law had been given, which was able to give life, truly justice would be of the law. <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Is the law then opposed to the promises [of God]? Of course not! For if a law had been given that could bring life, then righteousness would in reality come from the law. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Is the law then against the promises of God? Far be it: for if a law had been given, which could have wrought salvation, righteousness would truly have come as the result of the law. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Is therefore The Written Law contrary to The Promise of God? God forbid! For if a law had been given which was able to give life, truly righteousness would have been by The Written Law.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Is the law, then, against the promises of God? It can not be. For if a law had been given which could have given life, surely righteousness would have been by law. <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then was the law against the promises of God? it could not be so. For if the law was given being able to create life, truly justification would have been by law: <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which was capable of procuring life, verily righteousness would have been by the law. <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Is the law then opposite to the promises? by no means, for if there had been a law given, which could have given life, certainly justification should have been by the law. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> God, however, is only one. Is the Law then opposed to the promises of God? No, indeed; for if a Law had been given which could have conferred Life, righteousness would certainly have come by the Law. <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Is the law, then, against the promises of God? It could not be! For, if a law had been given, which was able to make alive, truly righteousness would have been by law; <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? not at all: for if a law had been given, which could have confered life, certainly righteousness would have been by the law. <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=625" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">The Purpose of the Law</a> …20A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. 21<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Is the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomos (N-NMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">opposed to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangeliōn (N-GFP) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">promises</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God?</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genoito (V-AOM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">Certainly not!</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomos (N-NMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">a law</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edothē (V-AIP-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">had been given</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">could</a> <a href="/greek/2227.htm" title="2227: zōopoiēsai (V-ANA) -- To make that which was dead to live, cause to live, quicken. From the same as zoon and poieo; tovitalize.">impart life,</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty.">then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynē (N-NFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/3689.htm" title="3689: ontōs (Adv) -- Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.">would certainly</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">have come</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law.</a> 22But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a> Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a> For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18-19</a> So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless / (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7-12</a> 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.” / But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. / Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7-11</a> Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! ... <a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a> For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21-22</a> But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, <a href="/romans/4-15.htm">Romans 4:15</a> because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. <a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20</a> The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, <a href="/romans/7-10.htm">Romans 7:10</a> So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death. <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Romans 7:13</a> Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. <a href="/acts/13-39.htm">Acts 13:39</a> Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a> For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. <a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Hebrews 8:7-8</a> For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second. / But God found fault with the people and said: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness should have been by the law.the law.<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-20</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil… <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Romans 3:31</a> Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.<a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7-13</a> What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… God forbid.<a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Galatians 2:17</a> But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.<a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4,6</a> God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged… for.<a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Galatians 2:19,21</a> For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God… <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a> Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.righteousness.<a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21,22</a> But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; … <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31</a> But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.<a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3-6</a> For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/13-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Absolutely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/galatians/1-16.htm">Conferred</a> <a href="/galatians/3-12.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Far</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Law</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Means</a> <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Opposed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Quicken</a> <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-2.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/2-18.htm">Able</a> <a href="/exodus/22-17.htm">Absolutely</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Conferred</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Impart</a> <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Law</a> <a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Means</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Opposed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Quicken</a> <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Way</a> <a href="/galatians/4-16.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 3</div>1. <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">He asks what moved them to leave the faith, and hold onto the law.</a> 6. <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Those who believe are justified,</a> 9. <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">and blessed with Abraham.</a> 10. <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">And this he shows by many reasons.</a> 15. <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">The purpose of the Law</a> 26. <a href="/galatians/3-26.htm">You are sons of God</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? The Apostle Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding among the Galatians regarding the purpose of the Mosaic Law in relation to God's promises. The law, given to Israel at Mount Sinai, served as a guide and a means to reveal sin (<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a>). The promises of God, particularly the promise to Abraham, were based on faith and grace (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). Paul clarifies that the law is not in opposition to these promises but serves a different purpose. The law was a temporary measure until the coming of Christ, who fulfills the promises (<a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19</a>).Certainly not! Paul emphatically denies any contradiction between the law and God's promises. This strong negation underscores the harmony in God's plan of salvation. The law and the promises work together in God's redemptive history, with the law highlighting humanity's need for a Savior and the promises pointing to the fulfillment in Christ (<a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7-12</a>).For if a law had been given that could impart life, The hypothetical scenario Paul presents emphasizes the limitations of the law. The law, while holy and just, was never intended to impart spiritual life or righteousness (<a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a>). It was a guardian until Christ came (<a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a>). The inability of the law to give life points to the necessity of faith in Jesus, who offers eternal life (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>).then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. Paul concludes that if the law could have provided righteousness, there would have been no need for Christ's sacrificial death. Righteousness, in the biblical sense, is a right standing before God, which the law cannot achieve due to human sinfulness (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). Instead, righteousness is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (<a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a>). This underscores the central message of the gospel: salvation by grace through faith, not by works of the law (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia regarding the role of the Law and faith in Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christian communities in the region of Galatia, struggling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mosaic_law.htm">Mosaic Law</a> The body of laws given to Moses in the Old Testament, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. 4. <a href="/topical/p/promises_of_god.htm">Promises of God</a> Refers to the promises made by God, particularly those given to Abraham, which are fulfilled in Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a> A group within the early church advocating for the necessity of following Jewish laws and customs, including circumcision, for salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_the_law.htm">The Purpose of the Law</a> The law was never intended to impart life or righteousness. It serves to reveal sin and our need for a Savior. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_the_promises.htm">The Fulfillment of the Promises</a> God's promises are fulfilled in Christ, not through adherence to the law. Faith in Jesus is the means by which we receive the promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> Faith, not law, is the key to righteousness. Believers are called to live by faith, trusting in the completed work of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_incompatibility_of_law_and_grace.htm">The Incompatibility of Law and Grace</a> Attempting to achieve righteousness through the law undermines the grace of God. Believers must rely solely on grace through faith. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_freedom.htm">Living in Freedom</a> Understanding the purpose of the law and the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ allows believers to live in the freedom of the Spirit, not under the bondage of the law.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 3</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a> <a href="/q/why_delay_the_law_after_abraham's_covenant.htm">If Galatians 3:19 says the Law was added because of transgressions, why did God wait so long to provide it after Abraham’s covenant? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_new_covenant_better_in_hebrews.htm">In Hebrews 8:6–7, how is the new covenant truly “better,” and why would God establish an “imperfect” first covenant in the first place?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_righteousness_apart_from_law.htm">(Romans 3:21-22) How do we reconcile the idea of being made righteous 'apart from the law' with Old Testament passages that emphasize strict adherence to the law?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21-24) If the Law was thus inferior to the promise, does it therefore follow that it is contrary to it? By no means. The Law could not indeed give life; it could not justify, or place in a state of righteousness. Its real result was rather to place all men in a state of sin. But by so doing it prepared the way for the fulfilment of the promise in all who put faith in Christ. The Law was a close and strict, yet salutary, discipline to make us fit for faith in Christ.(21) The promises.--Here, as in <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm" title="Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He said not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to your seed, which is Christ.">Galatians 3:16</a>, the plural, because the promise to Abraham was several times repeated, and afterwards ratified to his descendants.For if . . .--The argument which follows begins with a concession. Though the Law was no substitute for the promise, it yet directly led up to it.Given life.--This is practically equivalent to "justified," or "made righteous." He who is justified has life--both true spiritual life in the present and eternal life in the future. That the Law could not justify had been shown in <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm" title="But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.">Galatians 3:11</a> and in <a href="/romans/3-20.htm" title="Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.">Romans 3:20</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Is the Law then against the promises of God? (ὁ οϋν νόμος κατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ;). "Against" (κατά), as <a href="/galatians/5-23.htm">Galatians 5:23</a>; <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a>; <a href="/matthew/12-30.htm">Matthew 12:30</a>. Since the apostle has already (vers. 15-18) disposed of the notion that the Law may have superseded or essentially qualified the promise, this word "against" can hardly intend adverse action of that kind, but rather imports simply contrariety of spirit or purpose. This objection the apostle meets by stating that the spirit and purpose of the Law were not contrary to the promises, inasmuch as the Law did not offer to interfere with the work which the promises were to do, but was designed, to be auxiliary to their function by preparing the way for its discharge. God forbid (μὴ γένοιτο). The tone of abhorrence with which the apostle negatives the inference (see note on Galatians 2:17) is due, not so much to its mere unreasonableness, as to the almost blasphemous character which he feels to attach to the notion. To think that one unquestionable revelation of the faithful, unchangeable God can be contrary in spirit or purpose to another equally unquestionable revelation of his! For if there had been a Law given which could have given life (εἰ γὰρ ἐδόθη νόμος ὁ δυνάμενος ζωοποιῆσαι,); for if a Law had been given such as could make alive. The construction of the article in the phrase, νόμος ὁ δυνάμενος, is similar to that in ἔθνη τὰ μὴ ἔχοντα (<a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Romans 2:14</a>); μάρτυσι τοῖς προκεχειροτονημένοις (<a href="/acts/10-41.htm">Acts 10:41</a>). The noun is first put undetermined, a narrowing determination with the article being then added: "If [in the Law of Moses] had been given a Law such as," etc. By fastening attention upon the Law as unable "to make alive," the apostle marks its character as contrasted with the new covenant, the characteristic function of which is that of imparting a life-giving Spirit. The Law made men feel their sin, their spiritual incapacitation, "the body of death" which enthralled them (<a href="/romans/7.htm">Romans 7</a>.); but the grace which should instil into their souls the life of love which they lacked, it had not to bestow. So far only reaches the unfavourable estimate of the Law's function given here: it was not "able to make alive." Verily righteousness should have been by the Law (ὄντως α}ν ἐκ νόμου η΅ν ἡ δικαιοσύνη); in very deed then from the Law would have accrued righteousness. "In very deed then." But as the case now stands, it is a delusion to think it can, as the unbelieving Jews do, and as some of you seem minded to do. Ὄντως, as <a href="/luke/23-47.htm">Luke 23:47</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">1 Corinthians 14:25</a>. If the Law could have quickened men with spiritual life it would have brought them justification. This is what the apostle here affirms. But why so? That in the economy of grace there is no justification without spiritual quickening, nor spiritual life without justification, we are clearly apprised by many passages of St. Paul's own writings, notably by <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1-10</a>. The explanation, however, is probably this: in the apostle's view, the gift of the indwelling Spirit, to sanctify us and enable us for living a spiritual life, is conditioned by a state of acceptableness with God; until we have been brought into a state of grace, we are not qualified to receive this the supreme proof of Divine love. It is "because we are sons that God sends the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (<a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Galatians 4:6</a>). If, then, the Law can be supposed capable of imparting the Spirit of life, it must be supposed capable of antecedently imparting righteousness. The "inheritance" of Abraham's seed includes both, both accruing to them from faith. So far was the Law from having these gifts to bestrew, that on the one hand, Moses' ministering of the Law to the people was a ministration of condemnation (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-6.htm">2 Corinthians 3:6-9</a>), and on the other, it brought quickening, indeed, but not to the sinner's spirit, but to his sin (<a href="/romans/7-9.htm">Romans 7:9</a>). intensifying its malignity and working death (ibid., vers. 10-13). These views, so explicitly expressed by the apostle in the two nearly contemporaneous Epistles just cited, reveal to us what was in his mind when writing, the words before us, and may be properly adduced to explain them. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Is] the Ὁ (Ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law, νόμος (nomos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. then, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. opposed to κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. promises ἐπαγγελιῶν (epangeliōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. of God? Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. Absolutely not! γένοιτο (genoito) Verb - Aorist Optative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. a law νόμος (nomos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. had been given ἐδόθη (edothē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. that ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. could δυνάμενος (dynamenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. impart life, ζωοποιῆσαι (zōopoiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2227.htm">Strong's 2227: </a> To make that which was dead to live, cause to live, quicken. From the same as zoon and poieo; tovitalize. then ἂν (an) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_302.htm">Strong's 302: </a> A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty. righteousness δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. {would} certainly ὄντως (ontōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3689.htm">Strong's 3689: </a> Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really. have come ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [the] Law. νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 3:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>