When the word, “law” is mentioned in the Bible, some people assume it is always referring to the ten commandments. But is this really so? Let’s find out what the Bible itself reveals when it uses the word, “law.”

During the time of Christ, there was only the Old Testament part of the Bible. There was no New Testament part of the Bible as yet. Back then, that was the Bible, the Bible of the Jews.  And it is interesting to note how Jesus Christ subdivided the three main parts of their Bible, the Old Testament, namely: 1) the law of Moses, 2) the prophets and, 3) the psalms (Luke 24:44).

Here we find Jesus mentioned first “the law of Moses.” This refers to the first five books namely: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The Jews call this as the “Torah” (Hebrew word for “law”). It is also referred to as the Pentateuch (Greek for the “five books”). Some people take offense when the term “law of Moses” is used thinking it is derogatory because they claim that it is “God’s law” and not Moses’ law. But that’s how Jesus and others called it in the Bible. It’s not something derogatory. The Jews simply called these first five books as the “law” or the Torah.

Now, within this “law of Moses,” within this first five books, we find the 10 commandments and various kinds of laws, instructions, specifications, reminders, statutes and judgments. For example, there is a “law of the burnt offering” (Lev. 6:9), the “law on the grain offering (Lev. 6:14), the “law of the Nazirite (Num. 6:13) just to randomly name a few. There are many more other laws mentioned within the “law of Moses.” The point is, when we read the word “law” in the Bible, let us not assume that it is always referring to the ten commandments. It can also refer to the first five books or maybe something else other than the ten commandments.

It would be good to also notice how Jesus used the word “law” in John 10:34:  “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?” Did you notice that? When Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6, he referred to it as part of their “law.” In other words, the word “law” can also refer to a part of the Old Testament (in this case, Psalms) or it can refer as well to the whole Old Testament. That seems to me is the implication of what Jesus was saying. 

From all these, we have learned that the word, “law” does not always refer only to the ten commandments. It can also refer to something broader in scope or maybe something else in the Bible as well. Therefore it is always good to check the context of the passage where we find the word, “law” so we would not be guilty of proof texting without realizing it. We also have to remember that words derive its meaning depending on how it is used in a particular context.

Now, how about Galatians 3:17? What law was it that Paul was referring to that was added to the covenant 430 years later after God made a promise to Abraham (Gal. 3:19)? What do you think?

Well, some would argue that it was only the ritual laws that were added. But one thing is quite clear: at Mt. Sinai, God gave the ten commandments to Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 19-20). This was after the Abrahamic covenant. Paul in Galatians 3:10 quoted the Book of the Law (specifically, Deut. 27:26). This gives us some clue and context as to what law was being referred to in Galatians 3. So, what do you think?

Whatever “law” you think it is, Paul’s point in Galatians was that the observance of the law (whatever law it might happen to be) could not make anyone righteous (justified) in God’s sight but it is only through the faith of Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16). That’s the main point of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The law that was added was a temporary tutor until Christ. It’s purpose was to bring people to Christ. After Christ came, believers are to look to the real Master and Teacher and not to the law, the temporary tutor, paidagogos. That’s the point.

Lest I be misunderstood, may I hasten to add that this doesn’t mean that Christians are now “lawless” as some would say. As Paul said, he may not be under the Law of Moses and is free to do as he pleases but he did not forget that he was under the Law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:20-21). Paul ended his letter to the Galatians reminding them to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Grace teaches a Christian to resist and say, “No!” to sin and ungodliness (Rom. 6:1-2, Titus 2:11-12). Christians understand that the law can be summed up into “loving God and loving neighbor.” Christians are not lawless. That’s all there is to it.