Galatians 5:13

Translations

Modern

For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

Traditional

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Literal

For you were called to freedom, brothers, only not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. But serve one another through love.

Latin

Vos enim in libertatem vocati estis, fratres: tantum ne libertatem in occasionem detis carnis, sed per caritatem Spiritus servite invicem.

Original

Greek

English

For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.

Notes

Galatians 5:13–6:10

Paul explains that justification (being in right relationship with God) comes by faith alone. He then asks, "If we do not follow the law, what guides our behavior?" He answers that the Holy Spirit provides righteousness. The Judaizers (Jewish Christians who believed in following traditional Jewish laws) likely warned that Paul's message of freedom could lead believers to moral failure (5:1). Paul argues that freedom is not an excuse to sin because love guides Christians. We should use our freedom to serve each other with love (see also 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Oppression of God’s People The Purpose of the Sinai Covenant The Servant-Leader

Related verses

1 Peter 2:16
Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Romans 15:1–2
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Galatians 5:14
The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Romans 6:18–22
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 4:5–7
…to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
1 John 3:16–19
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Freedom, Liberty Fruit of the Spirit Letter to Philemon Letter to the Galatians Peter, Second Letter of

Topics

Anarchy: General Scriptures Concerning Being a Servant Being Free Christian Liberty: Saints are Called To Christian Liberty: Saints should not Abuse Christian Service Community Service Freedom Freedom in Christ Having a Servant's Heart Helping One Another Independence Love of Man for Man Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Loving Each Other Opportunities Praise Team Members Prefer One Another Servant: Figurative Servant's Heart Service Service to Others Serving Serving God Serving One Another Serving Others The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Law of God is the Rule of Life to Saints True Love

Galatians 5:13

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