Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options
Close NABRE

Galatians 5
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

V. Exhortation to Christian Living

Chapter 5

The Importance of Faith.[a] 1 For freedom[b] Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.(A)

2 It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you.(B) 3 Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised(C) that he is bound to observe the entire law.[c] 4 You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 (D)For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. 6 (E)For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.[d]

Be Not Misled.[e] 7 You were running well;[f] who hindered you from following [the] truth? 8 (F)That enticement does not come from the one who called you.[g] 9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.(G) 10 I am confident of you in the Lord that you will not take a different view, and that the one who is troubling you will bear the condemnation, whoever he may be.(H) 11 As for me, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision,[h] why am I still being persecuted? In that case, the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.(I) 12 Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves![i]

Freedom for Service.[j] 13 For you were called for freedom, brothers.(J) But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve[k] one another through love. 14 For the whole law(K) is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[l] 15 But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.

16 (L)I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.[m] 17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.(M) 18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.(N) 19 [n]Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,(O) 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,(P) 21 occasions of envy,[o] drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,(Q) 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.(R) 24 Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.(S) 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.(T) 26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.(U)

Footnotes

  1. 5:1–6 Paul begins the exhortations, continuing through Gal 6:10, with an appeal to the Galatians to side with freedom instead of slavery (Gal 5:1). He reiterates his message of justification or righteousness by faith instead of law and circumcision (Gal 5:2–5); cf. Gal 2:16; 3:3. Faith, not circumcision, is what counts (Gal 5:6).
  2. 5:1 Freedom: Paul stresses as the conclusion from the allegory in Gal 4:21–31 this result of Christ’s work for us. It is a principle previously mentioned (Gal 2:4), the responsible use of which Gal 5:13 will emphasize.
  3. 5:3 Cf. Gal 3:10–12. Just as those who seek to live by the law must carry out all its contents, so those who have faith and live by promise must stand firm in their freedom (Gal 5:1, 13).
  4. 5:6 Cf. Rom 2:25–26; 1 Cor 7:19; Gal 6:15. The Greek for faith working through love or “faith expressing itself through love” can also be rendered as “faith energized by (God’s) love.”
  5. 5:7–12 Paul addresses the Galatians directly: with questions (Gal 5:7, 11), a proverb (Gal 5:9), a statement (Gal 5:8), and biting sarcasm (Gal 5:12), seeking to persuade the Galatians to break with those trying to add law and circumcision to Christ as a basis for salvation.
  6. 5:7 Running well: as in an athletic contest; cf. Gal 2:2; 1 Cor 9:24–26; Phil 2:16; 3:14.
  7. 5:8 The one who called you: see note on Gal 1:6.
  8. 5:11 Preaching circumcision: this could refer to Paul’s pre-Christian period (possibly as a missionary for Judaism); more probably it arose as a charge from opponents, based perhaps on the story in Acts 16:1–3 that Paul had circumcised Timothy “on account of the Jews.” Unlike the Gentile Titus in Gal 2:3, Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother. The stumbling block of the cross: cf. 1 Cor 1:23.
  9. 5:12 A sarcastic half-wish that their knife would go beyond mere circumcision; cf. Phil 3:2 and the note there.
  10. 5:13–26 In light of another reminder of the freedom of the gospel (Gal 5:13; cf. Gal 5:1), Paul elaborates on what believers are called to do and be: they fulfill the law by love of neighbor (Gal 5:14–15), walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16–26), as is illustrated by concrete fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
  11. 5:13 Serve…through love: cf. Gal 5:6.
  12. 5:14 Lv 19:18, emphasized by Jesus (Mt 22:39; Lk 10:27); cf. Rom 13:8–10.
  13. 5:16–25 Spirit…flesh: cf. Gal 3:3 and the note on Rom 8:1–13.
  14. 5:19–23 Such lists of vices and virtues (cf. Rom 1:29–31; 1 Cor 6:9–10) were common in the ancient world. Paul contrasts works of the flesh (Gal 5:19) with fruit (not “works”) of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). Not law, but the Spirit, leads to such traits.
  15. 5:21 Occasions of envy: after the Greek word phthonoi, “envies,” some manuscripts add a similar sounding one, phonoi, “murders.”
Listen to Gálatas 5
Close LBLA

Gálatas 5
La Biblia de las Américas

5 Para libertad(A) fue que Cristo nos hizo libres[a]; por tanto, permaneced firmes(B), y no os sometáis otra vez al yugo de esclavitud(C).

La libertad cristiana

2 Mirad, yo, Pablo(D), os digo que si os dejáis circuncidar, Cristo de nada os aprovechará(E). 3 Y otra vez testifico(F) a todo hombre que se circuncida(G), que está obligado a cumplir toda la ley(H). 4 De Cristo os habéis separado, vosotros que procuráis ser justificados por la ley; de la gracia habéis caído(I). 5 Pues nosotros, por medio del Espíritu, esperamos por la fe la esperanza de justicia(J). 6 Porque en Cristo Jesús(K) ni la circuncisión ni la incircuncisión significan nada(L), sino la fe que obra por amor(M). 7 Vosotros corríais(N) bien, ¿quién os impidió obedecer a la verdad? 8 Esta persuasión no vino de aquel que os llama(O). 9 Un poco de levadura fermenta toda la masa(P). 10 Yo tengo confianza respecto a[b] vosotros(Q) en el Señor de que no optaréis por otro punto de vista(R); pero el que os perturba(S) llevará su castigo[c], quienquiera que sea. 11 Pero yo, hermanos, si todavía predico la circuncisión, ¿por qué soy perseguido aún(T)? En tal caso, el escándalo(U) de la cruz ha sido abolido. 12 ¡Ojalá que los que os perturban(V) también se mutilaran(W)!

La libertad y el amor

13 Porque vosotros, hermanos, a libertad(X) fuisteis llamados; solo que no uséis la libertad como pretexto para la carne(Y), sino servíos por amor los unos a los otros(Z). 14 Porque toda la ley en una palabra se cumple en el precepto: Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo(AA). 15 Pero si os mordéis y os devoráis unos a otros, tened cuidado, no sea que os consumáis unos a otros(AB).

Conflicto entre el Espíritu y la carne

16 Digo, pues: Andad por el Espíritu(AC), y no cumpliréis el deseo de la carne(AD). 17 Porque el deseo de la carne es contra[d] el Espíritu, y el del Espíritu es contra la carne, pues estos se oponen el uno al otro(AE), de manera que no podéis hacer lo que deseáis(AF). 18 Pero si sois guiados por el Espíritu(AG), no estáis bajo la ley(AH). 19 Ahora bien, las obras de la carne son evidentes, las cuales son: inmoralidad, impureza, sensualidad(AI), 20 idolatría, hechicería(AJ), enemistades, pleitos, celos, enojos, rivalidades(AK), disensiones(AL), sectarismos[e](AM), 21 envidias, borracheras, orgías y cosas semejantes(AN), contra las cuales os advierto, como ya os lo he dicho antes, que los que practican tales cosas no heredarán el reino de Dios(AO).

El fruto del Espíritu en la conducta cristiana

22 Mas el fruto(AP) del Espíritu es amor, gozo, paz, paciencia, benignidad, bondad, fidelidad[f](AQ), 23 mansedumbre, dominio propio(AR); contra tales cosas no hay ley(AS). 24 Pues los que son de Cristo Jesús(AT) han crucificado(AU) la carne con sus pasiones y deseos(AV).

25 Si vivimos por el Espíritu, andemos también por el Espíritu[g](AW). 26 No nos hagamos vanagloriosos(AX), provocándonos unos a otros, envidiándonos unos a otros.

Footnotes

  1. Gálatas 5:1 Algunos eruditos prefieren unir 4:31 a 5:1, así: pero con la libertad de la libre, Cristo nos hizo libres.
  2. Gálatas 5:10 Lit., hacia
  3. Gálatas 5:10 O, sentencia
  4. Gálatas 5:17 O, la carne tiene un deseo intenso contra
  5. Gálatas 5:20 O, herejías
  6. Gálatas 5:22 O, fe
  7. Gálatas 5:25 O, sigamos también al Espíritu
Listen to Galatians 5
Close NIV

Galatians 5
New International Version

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.(A) Stand firm,(B) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(C)

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,(D) Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.(E) 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law(F) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.(G) 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.(H) 6 For in Christ Jesus(I) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.(J) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.(K)

7 You were running a good race.(L) Who cut in on you(M) to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.(N) 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”(O) 10 I am confident(P) in the Lord that you will take no other view.(Q) The one who is throwing you into confusion,(R) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?(S) In that case the offense(T) of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators,(U) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.(V) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a];(W) rather, serve one another(X) humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b](Y) 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit,(Z) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.(AA) 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.(AB) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want.(AC) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit,(AD) you are not under the law.(AE)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,(AF) 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.(AG) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(AH)

22 But the fruit(AI) of the Spirit is love,(AJ) joy, peace,(AK) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.(AL) Against such things there is no law.(AM) 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh(AN) with its passions and desires.(AO) 25 Since we live by the Spirit,(AP) let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,(AQ) provoking and envying each other.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
  2. Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
  3. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
Close AMPC

Galatians 5
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

5 In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].

2 Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [[a]for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him].

3 I once more protest and testify to every man who receives circumcision that he is under obligation and bound to practice the whole of the Law and its ordinances.

4 If you seek to be justified and declared righteous and to be given a right standing with God through the Law, you are brought to nothing and so separated (severed) from Christ. You have fallen away from grace (from God’s gracious favor and unmerited blessing).

5 For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit’s [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our [b]conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope.

6 For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.

7 You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth?

8 This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ].

9 A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church].

10 [For my part] I have confidence [toward you] in the Lord that you will take no contrary view of the matter but will come to think with me. But he who is unsettling you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty.

11 But, brethren, if I still preach circumcision [as some accuse me of doing, as necessary to salvation], why am I still suffering persecution? In that case the cross has ceased to be a stumbling block and is made meaningless (done away).

12 I wish those who unsettle and confuse you would [[c]go all the way and] cut themselves off!

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 [d]selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.

14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is [e]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 [[f]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 [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]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.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:2 John Chrysostom, one of the Doctors of the Greek Church.
  2. Galatians 5:5 G. Abbott-Smith, Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.
  3. Galatians 5:12 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  4. Galatians 5:13 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  5. Galatians 5:14 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  6. Galatians 5:23 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  7. Galatians 5:25 Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with A Commentary.
  8. Galatians 5:25 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
Next
Galatians 4
Galatians 6
Next
dropdown
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

La Biblia de las Américas (LBLA)

Copyright © 1986, 1995, 1997 by The Lockman Foundation

La Biblia de las Américas is made available by The Lockman Foundation
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

The Amplified Bible is made available by The Lockman Foundation