What does Galatians 3:19 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 3:19 raises the question: "What is the purpose of the law?" and provides an answer. The "law" here refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, including commandments and rituals as outlined in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The verse suggests that the law was put in place due to transgressions, serving as a temporary measure "until the seed to whom the promise referred had come." The "seed" is understood to mean Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham.

The law was not a permanent fixture but served a historical and pedagogical role until the coming of Christ.

The mention of "mediator" and "angels" indicates the perceived intermediaries in the giving of the law, contrasting how the original promise to Abraham did not require a mediator, suggesting a more direct divine interaction.

Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of Paul's letter to the Galatians, there was a great deal of debate about the role of Jewish law in Christianity.

Gentiles were joining the faith and the question of whether they were required to follow Jewish customs and law was contentious.

The epistle was written around 49-58 AD, a period when the early Christian movement was struggling to define its identity separate from Judaism.

Theological Insights

Different theological interpretations arise from this verse:

• From a traditional Protestant viewpoint, it supports the doctrine of justification by faith as opposed to works of the law.
• Catholic tradition may understand this verse as supporting the necessary role of divine law in guiding behavior until the coming of grace with Jesus.
• Reformed theologians could see it as endorsing the pedagogic function of the law, showing humans their sinfulness and their need for a savior.

Practical Applications

Application in daily life could focus on the understanding that rules or laws serve temporal functions and are not always ends in themselves.

For Christians, this could mean living a life led by the principles of the teachings of Jesus, acknowledging the purpose of the law but seeing it fulfilled in Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 10:4: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
• Galatians 3:24: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
• Hebrews 2:2: "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"

Language Study

• "Serveth" (Greek: "τίς οὖν ὁ νόμος"): Referring to the function or purpose of the law.
• "Transgressions" (Greek: "παραβάσεων"): Meaning violations or breaches of the law.
• "Ordained" (Greek: "διαταγείς"): Denoting something that is established or set in order.
• "Mediator" (Greek: "μεσίτης"): Referring to an intermediary or go-between.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse could be compared to other religious traditions which also have a concept of law and its temporary nature:

• In Judaism, the idea of the New Covenant as foretold by prophets like Jeremiah could be seen as an eventual replacement or fulfillment of the law.
• In Islam, the coming of Muhammad with the Qur'an can sometimes be seen as superseding earlier revelations, similar to how the "seed" supersedes the law in Galatians.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, one could discuss the psychological and sociological functions of laws and rules within societies. Science may offer insight into why laws are essential for social order and how they evolve over time, reflecting perhaps the notion of Galatians 3:19 about the temporal role of laws.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse vary:

• John Calvin's commentary suggests that the law was an addition to the original promise to increase the crime of unbelief and make the promise more desirable.
• The Pulpit Commentary observes that the law was intended to be temporary and was an instrument to prepare people for the coming of Christ.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary views the law's purpose as "to convince men of their guilt and to show them the need of a Saviour."