This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

GALATIANS 3:2KJV
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Galatians 3:2 (KJV)

What does Galatians 3:2 mean?

Galatians 3:2 asks whether the believers in Galatia received the Holy Spirit by doing the works required by the Jewish law, or by believing what they heard about Jesus. Paul is challenging them to think about how their relationship with God began—through faith, not by following religious rules.

Paul, writing to the Galatian Christians, is reminding them of their own experience when they first believed. He points out that they received the Spirit (God’s presence and power) not because they kept the law, but because they trusted the message they heard about Jesus. This question sets up his argument that faith, not law-keeping, is the foundation of their life with God.

The Greek behind Galatians 3:2

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, G4151): This word means "Spirit" and refers here to the Holy Spirit, showing that Paul is talking about a real, personal experience of God, not just a feeling or attitude.
  • ἔργων (ergōn, G2041): Translated "works," this word means actions or deeds, especially those required by the Jewish law. Paul contrasts these with faith to highlight that following rules was not what brought the Spirit.
  • ἀκοῆς (akoēs, G189): This word means "hearing" and points to the idea of listening and accepting the message of faith. Paul is emphasizing that it was by hearing and believing, not by doing, that the Galatians received the Spirit.
  • πίστεως (pisteōs, G4102): This word means "faith" or "trust." Paul uses it to underline that trusting God’s message, not performing religious duties, is what truly matters.

Why Galatians 3:2 matters

  • Galatians 3:2 clears up the misunderstanding that a relationship with God starts by following religious laws or rituals; it points to faith as the starting point.
  • This verse highlights Paul’s main argument in Galatians: that the Spirit and God’s promises come through faith, not by earning them through good works.
  • Galatians 3:2 connects personal experience ("received ye the Spirit") to the larger teaching about faith, helping the readers see that their own story matches what Paul is teaching.

Where else these words appear

“hearing” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

“learn” Greek G3129 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
  • 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

“only” Greek G3440 · used in 66 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.