3:18 3:18

Galatians 3:19

3:20 3:20

Bible Versions

¶ 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.
Wherefore {G5101} then {G3767} serveth the law {G3551}? It was added {G4369} because of {G5484} transgressions {G3847}, till {G891}{G3739} the seed {G4690} should come {G2064} to whom {G3739} the promise was made {G1861}; and it was ordained {G1299} by {G1223} angels {G32} in {G1722} the hand {G5495} of a mediator {G3316}.
So then, why the legal part of the Torah? It was added in order to create transgressions, until the coming of the seed about whom the promise had been made. Moreover, it was handed down through angels and a mediator.
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.
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.

Commentary on Galatians 3:19 (KJV)

Galatians 3:19 addresses a crucial question raised by Paul's argument for salvation by faith, not by works of the law: If the promise was given to Abraham and his seed before the Law, why was the Law given at all?

Context

Paul is arguing strongly against the idea that Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law to be saved or fully accepted. He has just established that Abraham was justified by faith (Galatians 3:6) and that the promise to Abraham and his "seed" (singular, referring to Christ) was the basis of God's covenant, predating the Law given on Mount Sinai by 430 years. This verse directly answers the natural objection: What was the role of the Mosaic Law if it wasn't the means of justification?

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of the Law: Paul states the Law "was added because of transgressions." It wasn't given as a means of salvation, but to reveal sin, highlight humanity's inability to meet God's standards, and demonstrate the need for a Savior. It acted like a mirror showing the dirt, not soap for cleansing. As Romans 3:20 puts it, "by the law is the knowledge of sin."
  • The Temporary Nature of the Law: The Law was given "till the seed should come to whom the promise was made." This "seed" is explicitly identified by Paul as Christ (Galatians 3:16). The Law had a specific, time-bound purpose that would be fulfilled and superseded by the arrival of Christ and the new covenant.
  • The Administration of the Law: The verse mentions the Law was "ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." This refers to the traditional understanding that angels were involved in the giving of the Law at Sinai (see Acts 7:53, Hebrews 2:2) and that Moses served as the mediator between God and Israel. This contrasts with the direct, unconditional nature of the promise made to Abraham.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "transgressions" is parabasis, meaning a "stepping over" or "going beyond" a boundary or rule. The Law defined the boundaries, making clear what constituted sin. The word for "seed" is sperma, which, as Paul argues, is used in a singular sense here, pointing to Christ as the ultimate heir of the promise. "Mediator" is mesitēs, one who stands between two parties to bring about agreement or relationship.

Reflection and Application

This verse is foundational for understanding the relationship between the Law and grace. It teaches us that the Law was a necessary but temporary divine provision designed to expose sin and point towards the need for Christ. For believers today, this means we are not under the condemnation of the Law but live by faith in the finished work of Christ, the "seed" to whom the promise was made. Understanding the Law's purpose helps us appreciate the freedom and grace we have in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 7:53

    Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

  • Romans 7:7

    ¶ 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.

  • Romans 7:13

    Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

  • Hebrews 2:2

    For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

  • Galatians 3:16

    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.

  • 1 Timothy 1:8

    But we know that the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully;

  • 1 Timothy 1:9

    Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
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