Galatians 3:23

But before faith came, we were guarded under law, shut up to faith [which was] about to be revealed.

Darby Translation

In The King James Version

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

In Context

22but the scripture has shut up all things under sin, that the promise, on the principle of faith of Jesus Christ, should be given to those that believe.

24So that the law has been our tutor up to Christ, that we might be justified on the principle of faith.

Read all of Galatians 3

Cross References

Romans 3:19Now we know that whatever the things the law says, it speaks to those under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world be under judgment to God.

Romans 11:32For God hath shut up together all in unbelief, in order that he might shew mercy to all.

Galatians 3:19Why then the law? It was added for the sake of transgressions, until the seed came to whom the promise was made, ordained through angels in [the] hand of a mediator.

Galatians 4:1Now I say, As long as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a bondman, though he be lord of all;

Galatians 5:18but if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under law.

Hebrews 11:39And these all, having obtained witness through faith, did not receive the promise,

Matthew Henry on Galatians 3:20-29

Design of the Law; The True Children of Abraham. ( a. d. 56.) 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. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Galatians 3:23