Galatians 3:21

In view of the continuity of divine providence the suggestion that the Law contravened or nullified the previous covenant of God with Abraham and the patriarchs is dismissed as monstrous. It was incompatible with the faithfulness of God to His pledged word, and is therefore repudiated with the customary formula μὴ γένοιτο. The apparent sanction given by the Law to a new method of justification (viz., by works) could lead to no actual result, unless it had at the same time possessed the power which it lacked of quickening spiritual life. τοῦ Θεοῦ. These words are omitted in some MSS., but the preponderance of authority is in favour of their retention. The sense is the same whether they be expressed or understood. The addition may perhaps be due to a marginal comment which found its way into the text.