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13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming[a] a curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)[b] 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles,[c] so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

Inheritance Comes from Promises and not Law

15 Brothers and sisters,[d] I offer an example from everyday life:[e] When a covenant[f] has been ratified,[g] even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:13 tn Grk “having become”; the participle γενόμενος (genomenos) has been taken instrumentally.
  2. Galatians 3:13 sn A quotation from Deut 21:23. By figurative extension the Greek word translated tree (ζύλον, zulon) can also be used to refer to a cross (L&N 6.28), the Roman instrument of execution.
  3. Galatians 3:14 tn Or “so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus.”
  4. Galatians 3:15 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
  5. Galatians 3:15 tn Grk “I speak according to man,” referring to the illustration that follows.
  6. Galatians 3:15 tn The same Greek word, διαθήκη (diathēkē), can mean either “covenant” or “will,” but in this context the former is preferred here because Paul is discussing in vv. 16-18 the Abrahamic covenant.
  7. Galatians 3:15 tn Or “has been put into effect.”