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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 3:20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/48_Gal_03_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:20 - The Purpose of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one." /><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/3-20.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/3-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/3-19.htm" title="Galatians 3:19">◄</a> Galatians 3:20 <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm" title="Galatians 3:21">►</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> A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> However, a mediator is not of one; but God is one. <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now a mediator is not for one party only; but God is only one. <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now a mediator is not for one person only, whereas God is one. <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the mediator or go-between [in a transaction] is not [needed] for just one party; whereas God is only one [and was the only One giving the promise to Abraham, but the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity depended on both]. <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now a mediator is not for just one person, but God is one. <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one. <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> There is only one God, and the Law did not come directly from him. <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one. <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A mediator is not used when there is only one person involved, and God has acted on his own. <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one. <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one. <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Now an intermediary is not for one party alone, but God is one. <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one. <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But there cannot be a mediator where only one individual is concerned. <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the mediator is not of one, but God is one. <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> However, a mediator is not of one; but God is one. <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the mediator is not of one, and God is one -- <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And a mediator is not of one, and God is one.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now a mediator is not of one: but God is one. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now a mediator is not of one, yet God is one. <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Now there is no mediator when only one party is involved, and God is one. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now a mediator does not represent one alone, but God is one. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> A mediator is not of one, but God is One.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now, a mediator for one is impossible; but God is one.<CM> <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> A mediator is not of one; but God is one. <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But the mediator of the one seed he is not, though God is one.<CM> <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now a mediator supposes two parties, of which God is but one. <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But there cannot be a mediator where only one individual is concerned. <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now a mediator is not of one, but God is one. <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now a mediator is not the mediator of one only; and God is but one. <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-20.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=618" 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> …19Why 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. 20<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."></a> <a href="/greek/3316.htm" title="3316: mesitēs (N-NMS) -- From mesos; a go-between, i.e. an internunciator, or a reconciler.">A mediator</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">unnecessary,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">however,</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: henos (Adj-GMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">for only one party;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one.</a> 21Is 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.…<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="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a> For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6</a> Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. <a href="/romans/5-10.htm">Romans 5:10</a> For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! <a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a> All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15</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. <a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Romans 8:34</a> Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. <a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a> Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. <a href="/ephesians/2-18.htm">Ephesians 2:18</a> For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a> My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. <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="/exodus/20-19.htm">Exodus 20:19</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.” <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/24-2.htm">Exodus 24:2</a> Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.” <a href="/job/9-33.htm">Job 9:33</a> Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. <a href="/deuteronomy/18-16.htm">Deuteronomy 18:16</a> This is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God or see this great fire anymore, so that we will not die!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.a mediator is.<a href="/job/9-33.htm">Job 9:33</a> Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.<a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Acts 12:20</a> And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a> For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;but.<a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Galatians 3:17</a> And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18</a> In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:<a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1,2</a> And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Go-Between</a> <a href="/galatians/3-12.htm">However</a> <a href="/luke/20-37.htm">Implies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Mediator</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Party</a> <a href="/mark/4-30.htm">Represent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-24.htm">Whereas</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/2-20.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Go-Between</a> <a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">However</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Implies</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Individual</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">Mediator</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Party</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Represent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Whereas</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>A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; In the context of <a href="/galatians/3.htm">Galatians 3</a>, Paul is discussing the role of the law and the promise given to Abraham. A mediator typically implies the presence of two parties who need reconciliation or agreement. In the case of the Mosaic Law, Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This phrase highlights the nature of a covenant that requires a mediator, suggesting that the law was a bilateral agreement. In contrast, the promise to Abraham was unilateral, given directly by God without a mediator. This underscores the direct and personal nature of God's promise, emphasizing that the promise is based on faith rather than law.but God is one. This phrase emphasizes the unity and singularity of God, a fundamental tenet of Jewish monotheism as expressed in the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>). It also highlights that God's promise to Abraham was not dependent on human intermediaries or conditions. The unity of God suggests that His purposes and promises are consistent and unchanging. This ties into the broader argument in Galatians that the promise to Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, is superior to the law. The oneness of God also points to the unity of the Godhead, which is a foundational aspect of Christian theology, and it underscores that salvation is initiated and completed by God alone, without human mediation.<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 issues of law and grace. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatia.htm">Galatia</a> A region in modern-day Turkey where the recipients of Paul's letter were located. The churches here were struggling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, he is relevant as the mediator of the Old Covenant between God and Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure in this verse, emphasizing His singularity and sovereignty. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_judaizers.htm">The Judaizers</a> A group influencing the Galatian churches, advocating for the necessity of following Jewish law for salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_mediation_in_the_covenants.htm">Understanding Mediation in the Covenants</a> The Old Covenant required a mediator like Moses because it involved two parties: God and Israel. The New Covenant, however, is fulfilled in Christ, who is both God and man, eliminating the need for a human mediator. <a href="/topical/t/the_oneness_of_god.htm">The Oneness of God</a> This verse underscores the monotheistic belief central to Christianity. God's oneness assures us of His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_christ.htm">The Sufficiency of Christ</a> In the New Covenant, Christ is the sole mediator, highlighting the sufficiency of His sacrifice and the completeness of His work on the cross. Believers are encouraged to rely solely on Christ for salvation. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_from_the_law.htm">Freedom from the Law</a> Paul’s message to the Galatians is a reminder that adherence to the law is not necessary for salvation. Believers are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> Just as God is one, the body of Christ is called to unity. This unity is based on faith in Christ, transcending cultural and legalistic divisions.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) The mention of the word "mediator" implies a contract to which there are at least two parties. But where there is a contract there must be also conditions, and if these conditions are not observed the whole falls to the ground. Such was the Law. The Law was not kept, and therefore the blessings annexed to it were forfeited. On the other hand, the promise depends upon God alone. He gave it, and He will assuredly keep it, no matter what man may do. God alone is concerned in it.This passage is a conspicuous instance of the advance which has been made in New Testament exegesis. It is said to have received as many as 250 or 300 (according to another estimate, even 430) interpretations, but at the present moment there is a tendency to acquiesce in that given above, which, it is hoped, will be thought satisfactory.Now a mediator is not a mediator of one.--The very idea of a mediator involves two parties at least. The Law had a mediator, therefore the Law involves two parties. In other words, it is a contract.But God is one.--On the other hand, God, the giver of the promise, stands alone: therefore the promise is not a contract; and, resting on God, it is indefeasible.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - This verse, closing the short paragraph commencing the verse which precedes it, appears designed to mark the difference of the relations which subsisted between the Lord and Israel at the time of the giving of the Law, compared with those which subsist between God and Abraham's seed in the covenant of grace. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one (ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν). The article with μεσίτης, literally, "the mediator," marks the noun as a class noun, giving it the sense, "a mediator as such." Compare the use of the article in τοῦ ἀποστόλου, in "the signs of an apostle" (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a>); in ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, "a good man" (<a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a>); in ὁ ἐργάτης, "the labourer is worthy of his hire" (<a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>). The clause means this: a mediator implies the existence of more than one party, of two parties at least, for him to mediate between; of two parties not at one, but standing on such terms towards each other as make his intervention necessary. So far as it characterized the giving of the Law viewed in contrast with the establishment of the covenant of grace, the mediation of Moses, as has been already observed, did not put an end to the estrangement between the Lord and Israel: the estrangement went on throughout Moses' life; throughout, the Israelites stand marked with the brand of "transgression." The genitive ἑνός, "of one," is the same as the genitive in μεσίτης Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων, literally, "Mediator of God and men," in <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>: it marks the party or parties towards whom the function of mediation is exercised; so that what the apostle here affirms is that there cannot be only one such party. But God is one (ὁ δὲ Θεὸς εῖς ἔστιν). When we consider the number of interpretations given of this clause in connection with the preceding, which have literally been computed by hundreds (the reader will find a spieilegium of some sixty or eighty of them in Meyer), we may infer with certainty that the sense which the apostle intended to convey is not an obvious one - not one which lies near the surface. So much appears, however, in the highest degree probable, that he refers either to some disadvantageous circumstance attaching to the Law or to some advantageous circumstance attaching to the covenant of promise, and is viewing the two in contrast the one with the other. On these grounds the present writer has long since acquiesced in the view propounded by Windischmann in his Commentary on this Epistle, and which is accepted by Bishop Ellicott, that the unity here predicated of God is the oneness subsisting between the Father and the Son. God is one in the Father and in his Son - Christ our Lord. The fact is now present to the apostle's mind, and is presently after stated by him (<a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a>), that the Son has been "sent forth" by God to redeem us and make us sons, and has thus become the "Christ," that "Seed of Abraham" to which the promises had been made (ver. 29 of this chapter). Hereby the most perfect oneness is established between God and the heirs of the promise; for these are "clothed with Christ" (ver. 27) the Son of God; and he being one with the Father, they in and through him are really and permanently "reconciled into God," as the apostle writes in <a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Colossians 1:20</a>. Compare our Lord's words in his intercessory prayer (<a href="/john/17-21.htm">John 17:21, 23</a>), "That they all may be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us. I in them, and thou in me; that they may be perfected into one." That this sense lies deep down in the apostle's words and would not have readily been presented by them to the minds of his readers, forms no valid objection to this interpretation; for the history of the exegesis of the passage proves that this must have been the case with the sense which the apostle really designed to indicate, whatever that was. On the other hand, it is a sense which perfectly suits the requirement of the context; for it illustrates the superiority of the covenant of the promise to the covenant of the Law in the strongest manner possible. The nut has a very hard shell, but it yields a delicious kernel. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A mediator μεσίτης (mesitēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3316.htm">Strong's 3316: </a> From mesos; a go-between, i.e. an internunciator, or a reconciler. is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present 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. unnecessary, οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. however, δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [ if there is only ] one [ party ]; ἑνὸς (henos) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present 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. one. εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-20.htm">Galatians 3:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not between one (Gal. 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