Galatians 3:19

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 3:19 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the Galatians because false teachers were distorting the gospel, urging believers to rely on the works of the law rather than faith in Christ. In Galatians 3:19, he asks a rhetorical question: “Wherefore then serveth the law?” The question assumes that the law has a purpose, and Paul proceeds to explain it.

Meaning

Paul gives two reasons for the law. First, it was “added because of transgressions.” The Mosaic Law, given through Moses, was not given to save but to reveal and define sin, making people conscious of their transgressions. It set a holy standard that exposed human inability to meet God’s demands, thereby showing the need for a Saviour.

Second, the law was temporary, lasting “till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” The “seed” is Jesus Christ, the one who fulfils the promises made to Abraham. The law served a preparatory role, pointing forward to Christ. Once Christ came and accomplished redemption through his life, death, and resurrection, the law’s purpose was fulfilled.

Paul also notes that the law “was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” This refers to the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, where angels were involved in its delivery, and Moses served as the mediator between God and Israel. This stands in contrast to the promise given directly to Abraham, highlighting the law’s subordinate and temporary role.

Biblical connections

The temporary purpose of the law is consistent with Paul’s broader argument in Galatians that justification comes by faith, not by works of the law. The law’s role was to expose sin and drive people to Christ, the promised Seed, who brings the blessing of Abraham to all who believe.

Application

For believers today, Galatians 3:19 reminds us that the law still serves a diagnostic purpose: it reveals our sin and our need for a Saviour. We are not saved by keeping the law, but by faith in Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. This truth frees us from trying to earn God’s favour and leads us to rest in the finished work of Christ.

Reflection

How often do we try to measure our standing with God by our own performance? This verse calls us to see the law as a mirror that shows our need, and then to look to Christ, the promised Seed, who alone can save.