Add parallel Print Page Options

13 For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for [a]selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.

14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is [b]complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.(A)

15 But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another.

16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,

20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),

21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[c]that can bring a charge].

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.

25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [d]we have our life in God, let us go forward [e]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:13 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  2. Galatians 5:14 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  3. Galatians 5:23 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  4. Galatians 5:25 Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with A Commentary.
  5. Galatians 5:25 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

Bible Gateway Recommends

Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback - Slightly Imperfect
Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback - Slightly Imperfect
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $6.20
Save: $3.79 (38%)
Amplified Large-Print Bible--bonded leather, burgundy
Amplified Large-Print Bible--bonded leather, burgundy
Retail: $74.99
Our Price: $42.49
Save: $32.50 (43%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Amplified Holy Bible, softcover
Amplified Holy Bible, softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $17.49
Save: $7.50 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Amplified Study Bible, Hardcover
Amplified Study Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $33.99
Save: $16.00 (32%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback, Case of 24
Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback, Case of 24
Retail: $239.76
Our Price: $169.99
Save: $69.77 (29%)