Galatians 3:21

21. [τοῦ θεοῦ] omitted by B.

ἐν νόμῳ B Cyrador 54. ἐκ νόμου (W. H. margin) appears to be read by all other authorities. If ἐκ νόμου be genuine ἐν νόμῳ may be due to the similar passage in Galatians 3:11; if ἐν νόμῳ then ἐκ νόμου may be due to the nearer phrase in Galatians 3:18. The position of ἂν varies so much that its authenticity is very doubtful.

21. ὁ οὖν νόμος. Seeing therefore that the Law is inferior to the Promise (Galatians 3:19-20) are we to conclude that there is opposition between these two expressions of God’s mind? Is, that is to say, the Law by its very nature contradictory to the Promises?

κατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν (Galatians 3:16) [τοῦ θεοῦ]. See notes on Textual Criticism.

μὴ γένοιτο. St Paul is so horrified because it would imply a contradiction in the mind and character of God.

εἰ γὰρ κ.τ.λ. No, for the Law as far as it goes is good.

ἐδόθη νόμος, “if a law had ever been given.”

ὁ δυνάμενος ζωοποιῆσαι. For the article cf. Romans 1:18; Acts 10:41.

ὄντως, “in reality,” as opposed to mere pretence. Found only here, 1 Corinthians 14:25; 1 Timothy 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:5; 1 Timothy 5:16; 1 Timothy 6:19, in St Paul’s writings.

ἐν νόμῳ. See notes on Textual Criticism. Almost certainly (a) “in the Law” (Galatians 2:16 note on ἔργων νόμου). The Mosaic Law would have brought righteousness. But possibly (b) “in law” as such. The Mosaic Law was a failure because righteousness is not to be found in law at all, but in faith. The marginal ἐκ νόμου is in favour of (b). There does not seem to be sufficient reason for taking ἐν as instrumental.

ἂ ἦν ἡ δικαιοσύνη. The article is difficult. Either it means the righteousness required, and even revealed, in the Law but not obtained in it, or, and more probably, it consciously takes up the thought of the righteousness suggested in Galatians 3:11. In either case it is the necessary condition of the life implied in ζωοποιῆσαι.