King James Bible
"But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed."
Paul refers to the historical period before Christ's arrival and the gospel's revelation, when justification by faith was not yet fully disclosed. This marks a pivotal transition in salvation history from the old covenant to the new. The law functioned as a guardian or custodian, maintaining moral boundaries and exposing humanity's sinfulness. Paul uses military imagery suggesting protective custody—the law both confined and preserved Israel until God's appointed time. Like prisoners awaiting release, humanity was confined with the purpose of eventual liberation through faith in Christ. The Greek term suggests being hemmed in on all sides, emphasizing that the law's restrictions were temporary and preparatory for the gospel's freedom.