Galatians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
οὖν
G3767
He therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἐπιχορηγῶν
G2023
that ministereth
to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute
#4
ὑμῖν
G5213
to you
to (with or by) you
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
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
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἐνεργῶν
G1754
worketh
to be active, efficient
#9
δυνάμεις
G1411
miracles
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#10
ἐν
G1722
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
ὑμῖν
G5213
to you
to (with or by) you
#12
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
#13
ἔργων
G2041
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#14
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
#15
ἢ
G2228
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#16
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
#17
ἀκοῆς
G189
the hearing
hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)
#18
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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Galatians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection