Keraia
Galatians 5

Galatians 5:17

Walking by the Spirit · Galatians 5:16–26
Read Galatians 5

Translations

Modern
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Traditional
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Literal
For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the things you may want, these things you may not do.
Latin
Caro enim concupiscit adversus spiritum, spiritus autem adversus carnem: hæc enim sibi invicem adversantur, ut non quæcumque vultis, illa faciatis.

Original

Greek
English
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Notes

Galatians 5:17

We cannot just choose to follow the law and not sin. There is a struggle between God's Spirit and our sinful nature (see Romans 7:14–25; 1 Peter 2:11; compare Genesis 4:7). The solution is not trying harder to follow the law, but living by God's Spirit. When we are resurrected, we will finally be free from sin (see Romans 8:18–25).

Galatians 5:16–26

A faith without laws will not cause moral ruin. The Holy Spirit guides people, changing their hearts to follow God's will and not sin (see Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10).

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).

Parallels

Ezekiel 36:16–38 Romans 8:9–11

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Flesh Fruit of the Spirit Letter to the Galatians New Covenant Peter, Second Letter of Spirit of God

Topics

Carnal Christians Controlling Our Emotions Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Distractions Drama Enjoyment Free Will Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Living in Sin Power of the Mind Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning The Battle is the Lord's The Fall of Man: Man in Consequence of in Bondage to Sin The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Opposed by the Carnal Nature War: The Flesh Warfare of Saints is Against: The Flesh