Galatians Chapter 3 · Verse 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?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
He therefore
G3767
οὖν
He therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 18
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐπιχορηγῶν
that ministereth
G2023
ἐπιχορηγῶν
that ministereth
Strong's:
G2023
Word #:
3 of 18
to furnish besides, i.e., fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 18
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμεις
miracles
G1411
δυνάμεις
miracles
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
9 of 18
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
13 of 18
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
νόμου
of the law
G3551
νόμου
of the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
14 of 18
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Galatians 3:2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.2 Corinthians 13:3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.Romans 15:19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Historical Context
Miraculous phenomena (healing, prophecy, tongues, exorcisms) were common in apostolic Christianity, especially in newly founded churches (Acts 14:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 12-14). Paul appeals to ongoing charismatic activity in Galatia as irrefutable evidence that God's blessing rests on faith, not Law-observance. The same argument would prove decisive at Jerusalem (Acts 15:12). This verse refutes cessationist arguments that miracles were temporary—Paul treats ongoing miracles as normative proof of the Spirit's approval of the faith-righteousness gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you witnessed God's 'energizing of powers' in your church or life? How does this confirm the gospel of grace rather than works?
- Why does Paul emphasize God's present-tense, ongoing supply of the Spirit rather than just past conversion experiences?
- How should the expectation of ongoing miracles as evidence of faith-righteousness shape our church life and evangelism today?
Analysis & Commentary
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? Paul returns to experiential argument, now focusing on God's ongoing work. The participle 'ministereth' (epichorēgōn, ἐπιχορηγῶν) originally described wealthy patrons generously supplying resources for public events—God as the lavish Supplier of the Spirit. The present tense indicates continuous action: God keeps on supplying the Spirit to them.
The phrase 'worketh miracles' (energōn dynameis, ἐνεργῶν δυνάμεις) combines 'energizing' and 'powers'—God is actively energizing supernatural works among them. Both participles—'ministereth' and 'worketh'—are in the present tense, emphasizing God's ongoing miraculous activity in the Galatian churches. The logic is inescapable: God continues to supply the Spirit and work miracles in response to their faith (pistis, πίστις), not their Law-works (erga nomou, ἔργα νόμου).
The rhetorical question mirrors verse 2, but shifts from their initial reception (aorist tense) to God's continual supply (present tense). If God gave the Spirit by faith, and keeps giving the Spirit by faith, and authenticates this by ongoing miracles, how could anyone think Law-works are necessary? God's present activity testifies to the sufficiency of faith.