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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/48_Gal_03_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 3:2 - Faith and Belief" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/3-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/3-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/3-1.htm" title="Galatians 3:1">◄</a> Galatians 3:2 <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm" title="Galatians 3:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/3.htm">New International Version</a> I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? <a href="/nlt/galatians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. <a href="/esv/galatians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? <a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I wish only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law or by hearing of faith? <a href="/kjv/galatians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/nkjv/galatians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/nasb_/galatians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/nasb/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/nasb77/galatians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/lsb/galatians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> This is the only thing I want to learn from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/amp/galatians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is all I want to ask of you: did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying [the requirements of] the Law, or was it the result of hearing [the message of salvation and] with faith [believing it]? <a href="/csb/galatians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard? <a href="/hcsb/galatians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? <a href="/asv/galatians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/cev/galatians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I want to know only one thing. How were you given God's Spirit? Was it by obeying the Law of Moses or by hearing about Christ and having faith in him? <a href="/erv/galatians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/gwt/galatians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I want to learn only one thing from you. Did you receive the Spirit by your own efforts to live according to a set of standards or by believing what you heard? <a href="/gnt/galatians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? <a href="/isv/galatians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> I want to learn only one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the actions of the Law or by believing what you heard? <a href="/msb/galatians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? <a href="/net/galatians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? <a href="/nheb/galatians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? <a href="/wbt/galatians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Answer me this one question, "Is it on the ground of your obedience to the Law that you received the Spirit, or is it because, when you heard, you believed?" <a href="/web/galatians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> I just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I only wish to learn this from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/blb/galatians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I wish only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law or by hearing of faith? <a href="/ylt/galatians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this only do I wish to learn from you -- by works of law the Spirit did ye receive, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/slt/galatians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This only wish I to learn from you, Received ye the Spirit from the works of the law, or from the hearing of faith?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> This only would I learn of you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/cpdv/galatians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I wish to know only this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/nabre/galatians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> I want to learn only this from you: did you receive the Spirit from works of the law, or from faith in what you heard? <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This only I want to know from you, Did you receive the Spirit through the works of the law, or through obedience to faith? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> This only I wish to know of you: Did you receive The Spirit by the works of The Written Law or by the hearing of faith?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This only I wish to learn of you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/godbey/galatians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I only wish to learn this from you, Did you receive the Spirit by works of law, or by hearing of faith? <a href="/haweis/galatians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or from hearing of the faith? <a href="/mace/galatians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> this one thing I desire to know of you, did you receive the spirit by the works of the law, or by the gospel preach'd to you? <a href="/wey/galatians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Answer me this one question, "Is it on the ground of your obedience to the Law that you received the Spirit, or is it because, when you heard, you believed?" <a href="/worrell/galatians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> This only do I wish to learn of you: Did ye receive the Spirit by works of law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/worsley/galatians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This only would I learn of you, Did ye receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? <a href="/parallel/galatians/3-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=436" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/3.htm">Faith and Belief</a> 1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2<a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelō (V-PIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I would like</a> <a href="/greek/3129.htm" title="3129: mathein (V-ANA) -- Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.">to learn</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">just</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">one thing</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: aph’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you:</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabete (V-AIA-2P) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">Did you receive</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneuma (N-ANS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">of the law,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/189.htm" title="189: akoēs (N-GFS) -- Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing.">hearing</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">with faith?</a> 3Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a> Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Ephesians 1:13</a> And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, <a href="/acts/10-44.htm">Acts 10:44-47</a> While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, ... <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15-16</a> For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” / The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">1 Corinthians 12:13</a> For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. <a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38-39</a> Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” / He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. <a href="/acts/15-8.htm">Acts 15:8-9</a> And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. / He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">2 Corinthians 11:4</a> For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it very easily. <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-5</a> It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— <a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13-14</a> For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. / For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless, <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28</a> For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a> For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— <a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6</a> Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a> Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Received.<a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Galatians 3:5,14</a> 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? … <a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a> Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.<a href="/acts/8-15.htm">Acts 8:15</a> Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:by the hearing.<a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.<a href="/romans/10-16.htm">Romans 10:16,17</a> But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Believing</a> <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-6.htm">Find</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-35.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Question</a> <a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Received</a> <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-9.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">Believing</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm">Find</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/galatians/4-10.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">Question</a> <a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Received</a> <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Want</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/galatians/3-5.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 3</div>1. <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">He asks what moved them to leave the faith, and hold onto the law.</a> 6. <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Those who believe are justified,</a> 9. <a href="/galatians/3-9.htm">and blessed with Abraham.</a> 10. <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">And this he shows by many reasons.</a> 15. <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">The purpose of the Law</a> 26. <a href="/galatians/3-26.htm">You are sons of God</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I would like to learn just one thing from you: Paul begins this section with a rhetorical question, emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand. The Galatians were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Paul’s direct approach underscores the urgency and seriousness of the matter. This phrase reflects Paul's pastoral concern and his desire to correct their theological error.Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, The reception of the Holy Spirit is a key theme in the New Testament, marking the believer's entry into the new covenant community. In <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, the Spirit is given at Pentecost, signifying the fulfillment of Jesus' promise and the empowerment of the church. The "works of the law" refers to the Jewish legal system, including circumcision, dietary laws, and ceremonial practices. Paul contrasts the Spirit's reception with these works, highlighting that the Spirit is a gift of grace, not a result of human effort or adherence to the law.or by hearing with faith? This phrase emphasizes the means by which the Galatians received the Spirit: through faith, not by legalistic observance. "Hearing with faith" echoes <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>, where faith comes from hearing the message of Christ. This reflects the broader biblical narrative that salvation and the accompanying gift of the Spirit are accessed through faith, as seen in the example of Abraham, who believed God and was counted as righteous (<a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a>). This faith-based reception aligns with the new covenant promise in <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people, indicating an internal transformation rather than external compliance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia with concerns about their understanding of the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatians.htm">Galatians</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christians in the region of Galatia who were being influenced by Judaizers to follow Jewish law. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a> A group within the early church advocating that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision, to be true Christians. 4. <a href="/topical/h/holy_spirit.htm">Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, whose reception by believers is central to Paul's argument about faith versus works. 5. <a href="/topical/l/law.htm">Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law, which some were teaching was necessary for salvation alongside faith in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_vs._works.htm">Faith vs. Works</a> Paul challenges the Galatians to consider how they received the Spirit, emphasizing that it was through faith, not adherence to the law. This distinction is crucial for understanding the basis of Christian salvation. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The reception of the Holy Spirit is a key indicator of genuine faith and conversion. Believers should seek to live by the Spirit, which is received through faith, not by fulfilling the law. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_gospel.htm">Guarding the Gospel</a> Believers must be vigilant against teachings that add requirements to the Gospel of grace. The simplicity of faith in Christ should not be compromised by legalistic practices. <a href="/topical/h/hearing_with_faith.htm">Hearing with Faith</a> The phrase "hearing with faith" suggests an active, receptive listening to the Gospel that results in belief and transformation. Christians are encouraged to cultivate a heart that is open to God's word. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Understanding that our identity and acceptance before God are based on faith in Christ, not on our ability to keep the law, brings freedom and assurance to the believer.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 3</a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_bar_kokhba_revolt_about.htm">What is the true message of faith and unity?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_meritorious_works.htm">What defines meritorious works?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_cor_11_3-10_with_gal_3_28.htm">In 1 Corinthians 11:3–10, how can the requirement for women to cover their heads be reconciled with the claim that there is “no male and female” in Galatians 3:28? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_galatians_3_28_erase_distinctions.htm">How does Galatians 3:28's declaration of unity erase cultural, gender, and social distinctions that still seem to persist in both biblical and modern contexts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) This only.--The Apostle considers a single argument enough. He will only place the present conduct of the Galatians in contrast with their past, and ask how they can possibly reconcile the two.Received ye the Spirit.--The reference is to those spiritual gifts, described more fully in 1 Corinthians 12, 14--the gift of prophecy, the gift of tongues, the interpretation of tongues, the discerning of spirits, gifts of healing, &c.--which attended the first preaching of the gospel, and were poured out upon the first converts in a manner and degree since unknown. The Galatians, it seems, had had a share in this outpouring, like the other churches, though their fickleness prevented them from reaping the full benefit from it. But a spiritual effect, such as this outpouring was, could only have a spiritual cause; it could not come from a mechanical performance of legal obligations.By the works of the law.--By works done in obedience to the Law. There is a certain emphasis on both words, for the main point in the contrast which the Apostle is drawing is between the Law, on the one hand, and faith, on the other. Still, faith is as much opposed to works (i.e., a spirit of literal and mechanical obedience) as it is to Law, and excludes both at once. It is to be noted, however, that the works here meant are those done, in a Judaising sense, as themselves the direct means of salvation--not Christian works, the natural product and outcome of faith.By the hearing of faith.--These words correspond very nearly to a phrase which we should perhaps use more naturally: by the preaching of faith--i.e., by that preaching or hearing (hearing on the part of the recipients, preaching on that of the missionary Apostles) which has for its subject faith. What the Apostle had taught the Galatians on his first coming among them was not any system of laborious observances, but the duty of faith. They at first responded to his teaching: and in answer to their enthusiastic impulse of adhesion to Christ the gifts of the Spirit were abundantly shed upon them. Now all this had ceased. For the use of the word translated "hearing," see the Note on <a href="/romans/10-16.htm" title="But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias said, Lord, who has believed our report?">Romans 10:16</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - This only would I learn of you (τοῦτο μόνον θέλω μαθεῖν ἀφ ὑμῶν); this only would I learn from you. I need ask for nothing more to show that the Law is nothing to you, than that you should tell me this. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law? (ἐξ ἔργων νόμου τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐλάβετε;); was it in consequence of works of the Law that ye received the Spirit? I came amongst you as an apostle, preaching the gospel, and upon your baptism laying my hands upon you; and the Holy Spirit came down upon you, proving the reality of his presence both by signs and miracles and powers, and also by the love, joy, and peace with which your hearts were filled; sealing at once the truth of my doctrine and your own position individually as recognized heirs of the kingdom of God. You remember that time. Well, how was it then? Had there a word been then spoken touching meats or drinks, or washings of purification (besides your baptism into Christ), or circumcision, or care of ceremonial cleanness? Had you attended to any one point whatever of Levitical ordinance? Had either you or I cast one thought in that direction? The "works of the Law" here referred to must still be works of ceremonial performance, not those of moral obedience; for repentance, the practical breaking off from sin, the surrender of the soul to God and to Christ in faith and loyal obedience, the outward assuming of the character of God's servants, the purpose and inchoate performance of works meet for repentance, - these dotings of compliance with the moral Law were there. The gift of the Spirit was evidenced by charisms plainly supernatural; but it comprised more than the bestowment of these. Or by the hearing of faith? (ἤ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως;); or was it in consequence of the hearing of faith? The noun ἀκοὴ denotes sometimes (what is heard) "report," "rumour," as <a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Matthew 4:24</a>; <a href="/matthew/24-6.htm">Matthew 24:6</a>; <a href="/romans/10-16.htm">Romans 10:16, 17</a>; sometimes, especially in the plural, the organs or sense of hearing, as <a href="/mark/7-35.htm">Mark 7:35</a>; <a href="/luke/7-1.htm">Luke 7:1</a>; <a href="/acts/17-20.htm">Acts 17:20</a>; <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3, 4</a>; sometimes the act of hearing, as <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Matthew 13:14</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a> (Septuagint). The last appears more suitable here than the first taken (as some take it) as describing the doctrine or message which they heard respecting faith; standing as ἀκοὴ does in contrast to "works" which would have been an acting of theirs, this likewise was most probably meant by the apostle subjectively of something appearing on their own part. "Were you not at once received into the kingdom of God and filled with joy in the Holy Spirit, immediately upon your believing acceptance of the gospel message?" With exquisite propriety, as Bengel observes, is hereby marked the nature of faith, not working, but receiving. This agrees also best with the illustration which in ver. 6 the apostle gives of the phrase as introduced by him again in ver. 5. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/3-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I would like θέλω (thelō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to learn μαθεῖν (mathein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn. just μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. [one thing] τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. from ἀφ’ (aph’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. you: ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Did you receive ἐλάβετε (elabete) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Spirit Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. by ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. works ἔργων (ergōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of the Law, νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. by ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. hearing ἀκοῆς (akoēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_189.htm">Strong's 189: </a> Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing. with faith? πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/3-2.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 3:2 I just want to learn this (Gal. 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