Contradictions and Paradoxes in Galatians 3:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Galatians 3:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Galatians 3:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, the law was given to help people know what is right and wrong until Jesus, who was promised to bring God's blessings, came. It was given in a special way through angels and a go-between to help people until that promise came true.

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.

Contradiction with Romans 7:14

States that the law is spiritual, whereas Galatians 3:19 suggests the law was added due to transgressions.

Romans 7:14: For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Contradiction with Romans 3:31

Affirms the law, while Galatians 3:19 implies it was a temporary measure.

Romans 3:31: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Contradiction with James 2:10

Indicates the importance of keeping the whole law, contrasting with Galatians 3:19's temporary view of the law.

James 2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:17

Jesus claims he came to fulfill the law, which suggests its continued importance contrary to Galatians 3:19's temporary status of the law.

Matthew 5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Contradiction with Psalm 19:7

Describes the law as perfect and converting the soul, differing from Galatians 3:19's view of the law addressing transgressions.

Psalm 19:7: The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. [law: or, doctrine] [converting: or, restoring]

Contradiction with Psalm 119:160

Declares the law is truth, in contrast to the temporary purpose implied in Galatians 3:19.

Psalm 119:160: Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever. [Thy word...: Heb. The beginning of thy word is true]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 33:2

Describes the law as a fiery commandment from God's right hand, not merely a response to transgressions as per Galatians 3:19.

Deuteronomy 33:2: And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them. [a fiery...: Heb. a fire of law]

Paradox #1

Galatians 3:19 might raise a theological question about why the law was given if salvation comes through faith in Jesus. Some could see this as a contradiction because it seems to suggest that the law was an unnecessary addition. However, it's often explained that the law served a temporary purpose, helping people understand sin until Jesus came.

Paradox #2

Galatians 3:19 could appear to create a doctrinal inconsistency with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of the law, like in the Old Testament where the law is given significant focus and importance. In the New Testament, particularly in Galatians, the role of the law is described more as a temporary measure until Christ came. This might seem to conflict with verses that elevate the law and its permanence. Essentially, the focus in Galatians is on faith and grace over the law, which might appear contradictory when compared to passages that stress adhering to the law.

Paradox #3

Galatians 3:19 mentions the law being added because of transgressions and involving angels, which raises questions because other parts of the Bible do not describe angels giving the law to Moses. This creates some inconsistency in the narrative of how the law was received.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict in Galatians 3:19 could be related to the question of why the law was given if it was not the ultimate solution for righteousness. It presents a possible inconsistency about the purpose of the law in relation to faith, as some might wonder why God would introduce a system that would be replaced or seen as temporary.

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