Galatians 3:23

Before the coming of faith, we were kept under the guard of the Law, in bondage, awaiting the faith that was destined to be revealed.

Open English Bible (US)

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 words of scripture represent the whole world as being in bondage to sin, so that the promised blessing, dependent, as it is, on faith in Jesus Christ, may be given to those who have faith in him.

24Thus the Law has proved a guide to lead us to Christ, in order that we may be pronounced righteous as the result of faith.

Read all of Galatians 3

Cross References

Romans 3:19Now we know that everything said in the Law is addressed to those who are under its authority, in order that every mouth may be closed, and to bring the whole world under God’s judgment.

Romans 11:32For God has given all alike over to disobedience, that to all alike he may show mercy.

Galatians 3:19What, then, you ask, was the use of the Law? It was a later addition, to make people conscious of their wrongdoings, and intended to last only until the coming of that offspring to whom the promise had been made; and it was delivered through angels by a mediator.

Galatians 4:1My point is this – as long as the heir is under age, there is no difference between him and a slave, though he is master of the whole estate.

Galatians 5:18But, if you follow the guidance of the Spirit, you are not subject to Law.

Hebrews 11:39Yet, though they all won renown by their faith, they did not obtain the final fulfillment of God’s 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