基督既为我们受了咒诅,(受原文作成)就赎出我们脱离律法的咒诅。因为经上记着,凡挂在木头上都是被咒诅的。Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
这便叫亚伯拉罕的福,因基督耶稣可以临到外邦人,使我们因信得着所应许的圣灵。That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
弟兄们,我且照着人的常话说,虽然是人的文约,若已经立定了,就没有能废弃或加增的。Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
所应许的原是向亚伯拉罕和他子孙说的。神并不是说众子孙,指着许多人,乃是说你那一个子孙,指着一个人,就是基督。Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
我是这吗说,神豫先所立的约,不能被那四百三十年以后的律法废掉,叫应许归于虚空。And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
这样说来,律法是为什么有的呢。原是为过犯添上的,等候那蒙应许的子孙来到。并且是藉天使经中保之手设立的。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.
这样,律法是与神的应许反对吗。断乎不是。若曾传一个能叫人得生命的律法,义就诚然本乎律法了。Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
但圣经把众人都圈在罪里,使所应许的福因信耶稣基督,归给那信的人。But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.