• Galatians 3:19
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 19 Τί Why οὖν therefore ὁ the νόμος; Law? τῶν Of the παραβάσεων transgressions χάριν thanks προσετέθη, it was put toward, ἄχρις until ἂν likely ἔλθῃ should come τὸ the σπέρμα seed ᾧ to whom ἐπήγγελται, it has been promised, διαταγεὶς having been set through orderly δι’ through ἀγγέλων angels ἐν in χειρὶ hand μεσίτου· of mediator;

  • Galatians 3:19
    The Bible in Living English

    • 19* How about the law then? It was added with a view to transgressions, until the Seed to whom the promise was made should come, and was prescribed through angels by the hand of an intermediary.

  • Galatians 3:19
    American Standard Version

    • 19 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.

  • Galatians 3:19
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 19 Why then the law? Because of the transgressions it was added Until such time as the seed should come unto whom the promise had been made, And was given in charge through messengers at the hand of a mediator;

  • Galatians 3:19
    King James Version

    • 19 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.

  • Galatians Study Notes—Chapter 3
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 3:19

      was added: The Greek word rendered “was added” is apparently used by Paul to express the temporary nature of the Mosaic Law, especially when compared with the more enduring Abrahamic covenant and its fulfillment regarding the promised “offspring.”​—Ge 3:15; 22:18; Ga 3:29.

      to make transgressions manifest: Paul shows that a major purpose of the Mosaic Law was “to make transgressions manifest,” exposing Israel and all mankind as imperfect sinners before God. (For a comment on the Greek word for “transgression,” see study note on Ro 4:15.) The Law clearly spelled out the full range and scope of sin. Paul could therefore say that it caused trespassing and sin to “increase” in that so many acts and even attitudes were now identified as sinful. (Ro 5:20; 7:7-11; see study note on 1Co 15:56; compare Ps 40:12.) All those who tried to follow the Law found themselves legally convicted by it because it showed up their sinfulness. Its sacrifices continually served to remind them of their sinful state. (Heb 10:1-4, 11) All men needed a perfect sacrifice that could completely atone for their sins.​—Ro 10:4; see study note on the offspring in this verse.

      until: Paul’s use of the word “until” indicates that the Law was not intended to last forever. When it had accomplished its purpose, the Law covenant ended.​—Ro 7:6; Ga 3:24, 25.

      the offspring: Lit., “the seed.” (See App. A2.) In this context, “the offspring” refers to Jesus Christ.​—See study notes on Ga 3:16.

      transmitted through angels: The Hebrew Scriptures do not specifically indicate that angels transmitted the Law covenant. However, the inspired statement found here​—as well as the statements recorded at Ac 7:53 (see study note) and Heb 2:2, 3​—makes that clear. Apparently, Jehovah authorized angels to speak as his representatives to Moses and then to give Moses the two tablets of the Testimony. (Ex 19:9, 11, 18-20; 24:12; 31:18) Still, Jehovah was the actual Lawgiver, and Moses was His appointed mediator of the covenant between God and Israel.

      a mediator: The unnamed mediator was Moses. He acted as the intermediary between Jehovah and the nation of Israel for establishing a covenant, or a legally binding agreement, between God and the nation. (See Glossary, “Mediator.”) The Greek word me·siʹtes, translated “mediator,” occurs six times in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Ga 3:19, 20; 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24) It is a legal term. According to one lexicon, it means “one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact [that is, an agreement], or for ratifying a covenant.” In mediating the Law covenant, Moses helped the nation of Israel to keep the covenant and to receive its benefits. For example, Moses officiated at the inauguration of the covenant. (Ex 24:3-8; Heb 9:18-22) He installed the priests and put the work of the priesthood into operation. (Le 8:1-36; Heb 7:11) He also conveyed a body of more than 600 laws to the Israelites and pleaded that Jehovah spare them from punishment.​—Nu 16:20-22; 21:7; De 9:18-20, 25-29.