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?

GALATIANS 3:5KJV
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Galatians 3:5 (KJV)

What does Galatians 3:5 mean?

Galatians 3:5 asks whether the person who gives the Spirit and works miracles among the believers does so because of following the law or because of hearing and believing in faith. The verse points to faith, not law-keeping, as the source of God’s work among them.

Paul is writing to the Galatian Christians, challenging them to think about the real reason they have experienced God’s Spirit and miracles. He reminds them that these things did not come through observing the Jewish law, but through believing what they heard about Jesus. This question is part of Paul’s larger argument that faith, not law, is the foundation of their relationship with God.

The Greek behind Galatians 3:5

  • "ministereth" (ἐπιχορηγῶν, epichorēgōn): This Greek word often means "supplies" or "provides generously," suggesting that God is actively and continually giving the Spirit to the believers, not just once in the past.
  • "hearing" (ἀκοῆς, akoēs): In Greek, this word can mean both the act of hearing and the message heard. Here, it points to the message of faith in Jesus that the Galatians received and believed, not just a physical act of listening.
  • "faith" (πίστεως, pisteōs): This word means trust or belief, especially in God’s promises. Paul contrasts this with "works of the law" (ἔργων νόμου, ergōn nomou), highlighting that trust in God, not rule-keeping, is what brings the Spirit and miracles.

Why Galatians 3:5 matters

  • Galatians 3:5 clears up the misunderstanding that spiritual experiences or miracles come from following religious rules; Paul points instead to faith as the key.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s ongoing work among believers is based on their trust in Him, not their ability to keep the law.
  • This question ties into Paul’s larger message in Galatians, where he argues that faith in Jesus, not law-keeping, is what makes someone truly part of God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“ministereth” Greek G2023 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
  • Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
  • 2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“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 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

“miracles” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.