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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 3:19 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/48_Gal_03_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:19 - The Purpose of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why then was the law given? 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It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Why then the Law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed to whom promise has been made should have come, having been ordained through angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the promise had been made. <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Why the Law then? It was added because of trespasses, having been ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Why, then, the Law [what was its purpose]? It was added [after the promise to Abraham, to reveal to people their guilt] because of transgressions [that is, to make people conscious of the sinfulness of sin], and [the Law] was ordained through angels and delivered to Israel by the hand of a mediator [Moses, the mediator between God and Israel, to be in effect] until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Why, then, was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> What, then, is the purpose of the laws given to Moses? They were added to identify what wrongdoing is. Moses' laws did this until the descendant to whom the promise was given came to Abraham. It was put into effect through angels, using a mediator. <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Why, then, was the Law added? Because of transgressions, until the descendant came about whom the promise pertained. It was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator. <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made. It was administered through angels by an intermediary. <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> What purpose 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. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why then was the Law given? It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator with the help of angels. <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Then why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Why, then, the Law? It was added on account of the transgressions, until the Seed might come to which the promise has been made, having been set in order through messengers in the hand of a mediator— <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Why then the Law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the seed to whom promise has been made should have come, having been ordained through angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Why, then, the law? on account of the transgressions it was added, till the seed might come to which the promise hath been made, having been set in order through messengers in the hand of a mediator -- <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> What then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, (till the seed come to whom it was promised;) appointed by angels in the hand of a mediator.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Why then was the law? It was set because of transgressions, until the seed should come, to whom he made the promise, being ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Why, then, was there a law? It was established because of transgressions, until the offspring would arrive, to whom he made the promise, ordained by Angels through the hand of a mediator. <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Why, then, the law? It was added for transgressions, until the descendant came to whom the promise had been made; it was promulgated by angels at the hand of a mediator. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then what is the use of the law? It was added because of transgression, till the coming of the heir to whom the promise was made; and the law was given by angels by the hand of a mediator; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Why therefore is there The Written Law? It was added because of apostasy until The Seed would come to whom The Promise belonged, and The Written Law was given by Angels in the hand of a mediator.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added on account of transgressions, (till the offspring should come, to whom the promise was made,) having been appointed through the service of angels, in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then what is the law? It was added on account of the transgressions, until the seed to whom the promise was made should come; being ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> To what end then was the law given? It was given on account of transgressions, until that seed should come to whom the promise was made, being delivered through the ministry of angels into the hand of a mediator. <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> "To what purpose then was the law?" it was added as a check to transgressors, till the offspring should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels with the intervention of a mediator. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Why then was the Law given? It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator with the help of angels. <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> What, then, is the law? It was added because of the transgressions, until the Seed should come to Whom it had been promised; having been arranged through angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> What then availeth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come, to whom the promise was made; and it was delivered by angels in the hand of a mediator. <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=603" 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> …18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise. 19<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Why</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then</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.">was 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 given?</a> <a href="/greek/4369.htm" title="4369: prosetethē (V-AIP-3S) -- To place (put) to, add; I do again. From pros and tithemi; to place additionally, i.e. Lay beside, annex, repeat.">It was added</a> <a href="/greek/5484.htm" title="5484: charin (Prep) -- Accusative case of charis as preposition; through favor of, i.e. On account of.">because of</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3847.htm" title="3847: parabaseōn (N-GFP) -- A transgression, overstepping, deviation. From parabaino; violation.">transgressions,</a> <a href="/greek/891.htm" title="891: achris (Prep) -- As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to.">until</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthē (V-ASA-3S) -- To come, go. ">the arrival</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: sperma (N-NNS) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">seed</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">to whom</a> <a href="/greek/1861.htm" title="1861: epēngeltai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself.">the promise referred.</a> <a href="/greek/1299.htm" title="1299: diatageis (V-APP-NMS) -- To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.">It was administered</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelōn (N-GMP) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angels</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiri (N-DFS) -- A hand. "></a> <a href="/greek/3316.htm" title="3316: mesitou (N-GMS) -- From mesos; a go-between, i.e. an internunciator, or a reconciler.">a mediator.</a> 20A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.…<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/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/7-7.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="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15-17</a> Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. / In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, / because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive. <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Acts 7:53</a> you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.” <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Hebrews 2:2</a> For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Deuteronomy 33:2</a> He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand. <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Exodus 20:19-21</a> “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” / “Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” / And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. <a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">1 Timothy 1:8-11</a> Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. / We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching ... <a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19-20</a> 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. / Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1-4</a> For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ... <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Exodus 24:12</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.” <a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Leviticus 18:5</a> Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a> 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: <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-19</a> On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. / Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. / Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. ... <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! ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why then serves 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.then.<a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Romans 3:1,2</a> What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? … <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… It was added.<a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21-24</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="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Deuteronomy 4:8,9</a> And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? … <a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Psalm 147:19,20</a> He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel… till.<a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16,25</a> Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ… <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-4</a> Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; … by.<a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Deuteronomy 33:2</a> And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.<a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Acts 7:53</a> Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.<a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Hebrews 2:2,5</a> For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; … in.<a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Exodus 20:19-22</a> And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die… <a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Exodus 24:1-12</a> And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off… <a href="/exodus/34-27.htm">Exodus 34:27-35</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Added</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Agency</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-30.htm">Details</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Given</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">Go-Between</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Imposed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Law</a> <a href="/job/33-23.htm">Mediator</a> <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/galatians/3-18.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/john/11-13.htm">Referred</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">Transgressions</a> <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Undertaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-11.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">Added</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Agency</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-38.htm">Details</a> <a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Given</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">Go-Between</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/philippians/1-5.htm">Help</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Imposed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">Mediator</a> <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/galatians/4-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Referred</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/genesis/29-20.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Transgressions</a> <a href="/galatians/3-22.htm">Undertaking</a> <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Wherefore</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/galatians/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Why then was the law given? This phrase introduces a rhetorical question that Paul anticipates from his audience. The Greek word for "law" here is "νόμος" (nomos), which refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel. Historically, the law was central to Jewish identity and religious practice. Paul is addressing a common Jewish understanding that the law was essential for righteousness. The question challenges the necessity of the law in light of the promise given to Abraham, emphasizing that the law was not the ultimate means of salvation.It was added because of transgressions The phrase "because of transgressions" uses the Greek word "παραβάσεις" (parabaseis), meaning violations or overstepping of boundaries. The law was given to reveal sin and make people aware of their need for a Savior. It served as a mirror to show humanity's sinful nature and inability to achieve righteousness on their own. This aligns with the historical context of the Israelites, who needed guidance and boundaries to live in a way that honored God.until the arrival of the Seed The "Seed" refers to Christ, as Paul clarifies earlier in <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a>. The Greek word "σπέρμα" (sperma) is singular, emphasizing that the promise was ultimately fulfilled in one person, Jesus Christ. This highlights the temporary nature of the law, which was in place only until Christ came to fulfill the promise. The historical context here is crucial, as it underscores the transition from the old covenant of the law to the new covenant of grace through faith in Christ.to whom the promise referred This phrase points back to the promise made to Abraham, which was ultimately about the coming of Christ. The Greek word "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia) means promise, indicating a divine assurance that was not dependent on human action. The promise was always about faith and grace, not law and works. This reflects the scriptural context of God's unchanging plan for salvation through faith, as seen throughout the narrative of the Bible.It was administered through angels The administration of the law through angels is a reference to Jewish tradition, which held that angels were mediators in the giving of the law at Sinai. The Greek word "διαταγείς" (diatageis) means arranged or ordained, suggesting a divine order in the giving of the law. This highlights the majesty and seriousness of the law, while also pointing to its inferiority compared to the direct relationship believers have with God through Christ.by a mediator The "mediator" here refers to Moses, who acted as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. The Greek word "μεσίτης" (mesites) means one who intervenes between two parties. This underscores the indirect nature of the old covenant, which required a human mediator. In contrast, the new covenant through Christ allows believers direct access to God, emphasizing the superiority of the new covenant over the old.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19, 20) If such was not the function of the Law--if it had no power to modify the promise--what was its true function? It was a sort of measure of police. Its object was to deal with transgressions. It was also a temporary measure, of force only until it should be superseded by the coming of the Messiah. Unlike the promise, too, it was a contract. It was given by a mediator--that is, a person acting between two parties. Two parties were involved, with rigid conditions binding them both. On the other hand, the promise was given unconditionally by the sole act of God.In stating the true function of the Law, the Apostle brings out its inferiority to the promise in four respects. (1) It dealt with sins, not with holiness; (2) it was temporary and transitory; (3) it was given, not directly, but indirectly, through the double mediation of the angels and of Moses; (4) it was conditional, and not like the promise, unconditional. It depended upon the fallible action of man, and not only upon the infallible word of God.(19) Wherefore then serveth the law?--Literally, What then is the Law? What is its object or function? If it did not affect the promise, what did it do? The Apostle proceeds to answer this question.It was added.--It was not a part of the original scheme, but came in as a sort of marginal addition. It was, as it were, a parenthesis in the design of Providence. The direct line of God's dealings with man ran through the promise and its fulfilment. The Law came in by the way.Because of transgressions.--It has been usual to give to this one of two opposite interpretations, to make it mean (1) to check or put down transgressions; (2) to multiply and increase transgressions, as in <a href="/romans/5-20.htm" title="Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:">Romans 5:20</a>. The expression seems wide enough to cover both ideas. The Law was given "because of transgressions:" i.e., it had its object in transgressions. Its original purpose was to make them known, and by imposing a penalty to check them; its real effect was to provoke and enhance them. The expression "because of transgressions" leaves it ambiguous which of these points is meant, or rather, it includes them all.Till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.--By "the seed" is meant, as above, 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>, Christ, the Messiah. The promise is said to have been made to Him in whom it is fulfilled, just as, in <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm" title="That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.">Galatians 3:14</a>, Christians are said to "receive the promise"--i.e., the fulfilment of the promise "of the Spirit." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - Wherefore then serveth the Law? (τί οϋν ὁ νόμος;); what then (or, why then) is the Law? The apostle is wont thus to introduce the statement of some objection or some question relative to the point in hand which requires consideration (cf. <a href="/romans/3-1.htm">Romans 3:1</a>; <a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Romans 4:1</a>). He wishes now to show that, while the Law was a Divine ordinance, it was yet not intended to supersede the previously ratified covenant, but rather to prepare for its being completely carried out. It was added because of transgressions (tw = n παραβάσεων χάριν προσετέθη); on account of transgressions it was superadded. As χάριν denotes that so-and-so is done in consideration of this or that; this latter may be either some antecedent fact furnishing ground for subsequent action, as in <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Ephesians 3:1</a>; <a href="/luke/7-47.htm">Luke 7:47</a>, or some prospective result, which the action signified in the verb is intended to forward, as <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Jude 1:16</a>. Here it intimates that the Law was given from a regard to men's sinful actions, with an implied contrast with the covenant of Christ's gospel, which was concerned with men's justification and benediction. The province of the Law is to expose sins, rebuke them, pronounce God's curse upon them, coerce and restrain them by the discipline of a system of outward rites and ceremonies. The office of the Law, as dealing with sinners as continuing sinful, while unable to make them new creatures, is indicated by St. Paul in <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9</a>, where, after saying, "The Law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners," he proceeds to add a catalogue of offenders chargeable with the grossest form of criminality; which furnishes a most apt illustration of the word παραβάσεις ("transgressions") which he here uses, and which marks sins in their most wilful and most condemnable character. What was spiritually the outcome of the Law's action upon men's sinful nature, in making their "sin exceeding sinful," the apostle has vividly portrayed in the seventh chapter of the Romans. This last point, however, is probably not even glanced at here; and it is only by straining the sense of χάριν, that some commentators, notably Meyer, find the apostle to be here stating that the Law was added for the behoof of transgressions, as it were in their interest, to increase and intensify them, as in <a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20</a>, that the trespass might abound. This, however, is not naturally found in the present passage. All that the apostle here states is that the Law merely dealt with sins, having no function in relation to life and righteousness. The article before παραβάσεων indicates the whole class of objects referred to, as e.g. in τοῖς ἀνθρώποις (<a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a>). This" superadded" (προσετίθη) is not inconsistent with the οὐδ ἐπιδιατάσσεται, "nor addeth thereto," of ver. 15; inasmuch as it points to a Divine ordinance, which stood, so to speak, in a different plane from the covenant of grace, and in no way interfered with it. Till the seed should come (ἄχρις οῦ ἔλθῃ τὸ σπέρμα). The form of expression indicates the purpose of him who arranged it all, that the Law should last only so long, and was to come to an end when the seed came. To whom the promise was made (ῷ ἐπήγγελται); to whom the promise hath been made. The perfect tense of the verb, as in the case of κεχάρισται, in ver. 18, points to the still continuing validity of the promise. The "seed" is "Christ;" the historical Christ, indeed, but still viewed collectively as summing up in himself all who should be united to him. And it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator (διαταγεὶς δἰ ἀγγέλων ἐν χειρὶ μεσίτου); being ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. The verb "ordain" (διατάσσειν), being most commonly used for "command," "order," as <a href="/luke/8-55.htm">Luke 8:55</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">1 Corinthians 7:17</a>, is introduced in preference to δοθείς (comp. ver. 20 and <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a>; <a href="/john/7-19.htm">John 7:19</a>), as making more prominent the notion of imperative action on the part of the Divine Lawgiver. The whole passage is tinctured with the feeling that the giving of the Law, as contrasted with the dispensation of the Messiah, was marked by distance, sternness, alienation. This is the meaning of the mention of "angels" as the medium of communication on the side of Heaven, and of "a mediator" as the selected medium of reception on the side of Israel (compare the contrast between the two dispensations in <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Hebrews 12:18-24</a>). This representation of the Law as given through angels is unmistakably made again in the Epistle to the Hebrews, in the words, "The word spoken through angels" (<a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Hebrews 2:2</a>), where also it is placed in the same contrast with the gospel as spoken by the Lord Jesus, which here is plainly implied, if indeed it is not expressly alluded to, in the enigmatic words, "but God is one," in the next verse. This view of the Law as communicated through the medium of angels is distinctly referred to by St. Stephen as the accepted belief of the Jewish theologians before whom he spoke: "Ye who received the Law as the ordinances of angels" (<a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Acts 7:53</a>), where the phrase, διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων, forms a remarkable parallel to the words, διαταγεὶς δι ἀγγέλων, now before us. The same view is put forth by Josephus ('Ant.,' 15:05, 3), "We having learned the most excellent of our doctrines and the most holy part of our Law through angels from God." Such, then, was incontestably the current belief of the Jewish people, both Christian and non-Christian. The Hebrew theologians directed a great deal of attention upon the doctrine of angels, of which the "boundless genealogies" spoken of by St. Paul (<a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a>; comp. <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Colossians 2:18</a>) was certainly one diseased branch. We may without improbability suppose that their exegetical sagacity, not unaided by the Spirit of God promised by him to his people upon their restoration from Captivity, detected the particular fact here indicated in <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Deuteronomy 33:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-17.htm">Psalm 68:17</a>; <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16, 19</a>. The countless hosts of his "saints" who attended upon the Lord on that occasion were not surely mere spectators; and to their intervention acting out the volitions of God might be most reasonably ascribed all the physical sights and sounds which gave to the giving of the Law its sensible awfulness (comp. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:16</a>). "They raised the fire and smoke; they shook and rent the rock; they framed the sound of the trumpet; they effected the articulate voices which conveyed the words of the Law to the ears of the people, and therein proclaimed and published the Law; whereby it became ' the word spoken by angels'" (Owen, 'Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews,' 2:2). In the hand of a mediator (ἐν χειρὶ μεσίτου); by the hand of a mediator. Ἐν χειρί, in or by the hand, is unquestionably a Hebraism, being in the Septuagint the ordinary literal rendering of the Hebrew beyad; see e.g. <a href="/numbers/4-37.htm">Numbers 4:37, 45</a>; which passages likewise show us whom the apostle means to designate as the mediator; in reference to which comp. also <a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a>, "I stood between (ἀνάμεσον) the Lord and you at that time [i.e. at the giving of the Law], to show you the word of the Lord." So Philo ('Vit. Mos.,' 678) speaks of Hoses as acting like a μεσίτης καὶ διαλλάκτης, "mediator and reconciler." Schottgen ('Hor. Hebr.') gives numerous examples from the rabbinical books of this application of the term "mediator "to Moses. This conception of Moses as a mediator seems implied also in the words, "Mediator of a better covenant" and "Mediator of a new covenant," which we have in <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6</a> and Hebrews 12:24, with reference to Christ. Evidently the mention of a mediator in the present passage is intended to point to the relations between the Lord and Israel as being those of distance and estrangement. If it be objected that the same inference would be deducible from the description of Christ as "Mediator between God and men," in <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>, we have it to say, in answer, that Christ, being in his nature both God and man, not only mediates between God and men, having made atonement or reconciliation by his cross, but in his own being unites God and man, abolishing actually that state of mutual alienation which the mediation of Moses by figure implied but could not in reality do away. We, too, were enemies to God before we were reconciled by the death of his Son (<a href="/romans/5-10.htm">Romans 5:10</a>); but now, being reconciled, we are at one with God in Christ: Christ's life in our nature both guaranteeing and effectuating our continued state of reconciliation with the Father as well as our own spiritual and eternal life. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Why Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. then οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. [ was ] 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 [ given ]? 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. It was added προσετέθη (prosetethē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4369.htm">Strong's 4369: </a> To place (put) to, add; I do again. From pros and tithemi; to place additionally, i.e. Lay beside, annex, repeat. because of χάριν (charin) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5484.htm">Strong's 5484: </a> Accusative case of charis as preposition; through favor of, i.e. On account of. transgressions, παραβάσεων (parabaseōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3847.htm">Strong's 3847: </a> A transgression, overstepping, deviation. From parabaino; violation. until ἄχρις (achris) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_891.htm">Strong's 891: </a> As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to. [the] arrival ἔλθῃ (elthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. of the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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. seed σπέρμα (sperma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. to whom ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. [the] promise referred. ἐπήγγελται (epēngeltai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1861.htm">Strong's 1861: </a> From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself. It was administered διαταγεὶς (diatageis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1299.htm">Strong's 1299: </a> To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc. through δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. angels ἀγγέλων (angelōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. a mediator. μεσίτου (mesitou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3316.htm">Strong's 3316: </a> From mesos; a go-between, i.e. an internunciator, or a reconciler. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:19 What then is the law? It was (Gal. 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