Galatians 3:2

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτο
G5124
This
that thing
#2
μόνον
G3440
only
merely
#3
θέλω
G2309
would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#4
μαθεῖν
G3129
I learn
to learn (in any way)
#5
ἀφ'
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#6
ὑμῶν·
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#7
ἐξ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#8
ἔργων
G2041
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#9
νόμου
G3551
of the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#10
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πνεῦμα
G4151
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#12
ἐλάβετε
G2983
Received ye
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#13
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#14
ἐξ
G1537
by
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#15
ἀκοῆς
G189
the hearing
hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)
#16
πίστεως
G4102
of faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Galatians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection