# Connecting Statement:

Paul tells the believers in Galatia why God gave the law.

# What, then, was the purpose of the law?

Paul uses a rhetorical question to introduce the next topic he wants to discuss. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I will tell you what the purpose of the law is." or "Let me tell you why God gave the law." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]])

# It was added

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God added it" or "God added the law" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# The law was ordained through angels

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God ordained the law through angels" or "God gave the law through angels" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# by the hand of an intermediary

The words "by the hand of" are a metonym for the intermediary himself. An intermediary represents one person to another. Paul was probably talking about Moses, who represented God to the people of Israel. Alternate translation "by an intermediary" or "by his representative, Moses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])