Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 3:4

"Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain." — Galatians 3:4 (ASV)

There is some ambiguity in the question “Have you suffered so much for nothing?” It may imply actual suffering, as is suggested in NIV. Or it may refer simply to the Galatians’ previous spiritual experiences: “Have all your great experiences been in vain?” (NEB). Both views make sense in interpreting the letter as a whole, but the latter seems to fit the immediate context better. In this case, the experiences of the Galatians are further amplified by the reminder in v.5 that God was working miracles in their midst through the power of his Holy Spirit.