^3:15Brothers and sisters,²⁹ I offer an example from everyday life:³⁰ When a covenant³¹ has been ratified,³² even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.

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Footnotes

29 Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in .
30 Grk “I speak according to man,” referring to the illustration that follows.
31 The same Greek word, διαθήκη (diathēkē), can mean either “covenant” or “will,” but in this context the former is preferred here because Paul is discussing in vv. 16–18 the Abrahamic covenant.
32 Or “has been put into effect.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Brothers and sisters, I’m using a human illustration. No one sets aside or makes additions to a validated human will.

NLTNew Living Translation

Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Brothers, I am speaking according to a human perspective. Nevertheless, when the covenant of a man has been ratified, no one declares it invalid or adds additional provisions to it.

KJV 1900King James Version

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.

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