The Spirit versus the Flesh

16 I say then, walk by the Spirit(A) and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires(B) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.(C) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious:[a][b] sexual immorality,(D) moral impurity,(E) promiscuity,(F) 20 idolatry,(G) sorcery,(H) hatreds,(I) strife,(J) jealousy,(K) outbursts of anger,(L) selfish ambitions,(M) dissensions,(N) factions,(O) 21 envy,[c](P) drunkenness, carousing,(Q) and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.(R)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit(S) is love,(T) joy,(U) peace, patience,(V) kindness,(W) goodness, faith,[d] 23 gentleness,(X) self-control.(Y) Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus(Z) have crucified the flesh(AA) with its passions and desires.(AB) 25 Since we live(AC) by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.(AD)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:19 Other mss add adultery
  2. Galatians 5:19 Lit obvious, which are:
  3. Galatians 5:21 Other mss add murders
  4. Galatians 5:22 Or faithfulness

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit,(A) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.(B) 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.(C) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want.(D) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit,(E) you are not under the law.(F)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,(G) impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(H) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(I)

22 But the fruit(J) of the Spirit is love,(K) joy, peace,(L) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.(M) Against such things there is no law.(N) 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh(O) with its passions and desires.(P) 25 Since we live by the Spirit,(Q) let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,(R) provoking and envying each other.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what