Galatians 5 13

Galatians 5:13 kjv

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

Galatians 5:13 nkjv

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 niv

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Galatians 5:13 esv

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

Galatians 5:13 nlt

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Galatians 5 verses

Galatians 5 13 Meaning

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

Galatians 5 13 Context

This verse is found in Galatians chapter 5, a pivotal chapter in Paul's letter. Paul is addressing the Galatians, who were being influenced by false teachers to believe that they needed to follow Mosaic Law (specifically circumcision) to be truly saved and righteous before God. Paul, in stark contrast, emphasizes that salvation and righteousness come solely through faith in Jesus Christ and the grace He provides. Chapter 5 begins with Paul urging the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them. He contrasts this freedom with the bondage of the Law and the sinful desires of the flesh. Verse 13 directly follows a discussion of the works of the flesh versus the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting the proper way to live out Christian freedom. The context is about living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, which manifests in love towards others, rather than reverting to legalistic bondage or unrestrained fleshly desires.

Galatians 5 13 Word Analysis

• "For" (Greek: gar) - This is a conjunction indicating a reason or explanation. It connects this verse to the preceding discussion of the Spirit versus the flesh. Paul is explaining why they were called to freedom.
• "you" (Greek: hymeis) - Plural pronoun, referring to the entire community of believers in Galatia.
• "were called" (Greek: eklēthēte) - A past passive verb from kalamo, meaning "to call," "to summon." This highlights that their freedom is not a result of their own effort but a divine initiative; God called them into this state. It emphasizes the gracious act of God.
• "to" (Greek: eis) - Indicates the purpose or destination of the calling.
• "freedom" (Greek: eleutheria) - This is a crucial word. It doesn't mean freedom from responsibility but freedom from the penalty and power of sin, the condemnation of the Law, and the tyranny of the flesh. It is the freedom to live righteously, empowered by the Spirit.
• "brothers" (Greek: adelphoi) - An term of endearment and equality within the Christian community, fostering a sense of unity and familial relationship in Christ.
• "Only" (Greek: monon) - An adverb that places a qualification or limitation on the preceding statement. It serves as a strong admonition to prevent a misinterpretation of freedom.
• "do not" (Greek: mē) - A negative particle used with the imperative mood, expressing a prohibition. It’s a command not to do something.
• "use" (Greek: paradēte) - From paradidomi, meaning "to give over," "to deliver up," "to hand over." Here, it signifies handing over or yielding freedom as a pretext or excuse.
• "your" (Greek: hyphrēs) - Possessive pronoun.
• "freedom" (Greek: eleutheria) - Again, referring to the spiritual freedom.
• "as" (Greek: hos) - As a comparative conjunction.
• "an opportunity" (Greek: aphormē) - This word refers to a starting point, a basis, an occasion, or an advantage. Paul warns against using their freedom as a base from which to launch sinful activities.
• "for" (Greek: eis) - Indicates the purpose or direction.
• "the" (Greek: tēn) - Definite article.
• "flesh" (Greek: sarxa) - Refers to the fallen human nature, the inclination towards sin, unregenerate desires, and self-centeredness. It is contrasted with the Spirit.
• "but" (Greek: alla) - A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast to the negative command.
• "through" (Greek: dia) - Indicates the means or agency.
• "love" (Greek: agapē) - This refers to the divine, self-sacrificing love commanded by Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and demonstrated by God. It’s the love that actively seeks the good of others.
• "serve" (Greek: douleuete) - From douloō, meaning "to be a slave," "to serve." This is a significant verb choice. It paradoxically implies that true freedom leads to willing servitude to others, a concept echoing Christ Himself who "came not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). This service is not a negation of freedom but its highest expression.
• "one another" (Greek: allēlōn) - A reciprocal pronoun, indicating mutual service within the community.

Words Group Analysis:

• "called to freedom": Emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in bringing believers into liberty from sin and legalism.
• "opportunity for the flesh": This phrase depicts freedom being twisted into a license to indulge sinful desires, a perversion of its true meaning.
• "through love serve one another": This presents the positive, constructive use of Christian freedom. Love becomes the motive and means by which believers serve, demonstrating the transforming power of the Spirit. It frames service, motivated by agape, as the essence of living out freedom.

Galatians 5 13 Bonus Section

The concept of "serving one another through love" directly ties into the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned earlier in chapter 5 (Galatians 5:22-23), particularly "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." These virtues are the internal capacities that enable such selfless service. The idea of using freedom as an "opportunity" (aphormē) implies a tactical misuse, where a position of liberty is deliberately leveraged for sinful indulgence. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' own attitude, who, though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). This verse challenges believers to actively employ their spiritual freedom for the benefit of the body of Christ, echoing the sentiment found in 1 Peter 4:10, where spiritual gifts are to be used to serve others.

Galatians 5 13 Commentary

The Galatians were called to a life of freedom in Christ, a liberation from the condemnation of the Law and the tyranny of sin. However, Paul sternly warns against misinterpreting this freedom as an invitation to license—a pretext for gratifying fleshly desires. True Christian freedom is not anarchy but an ordered liberty guided by love. The ultimate purpose and expression of this freedom is found in humbly and lovingly serving fellow believers. This service, empowered by the Spirit and rooted in agape, is the responsible stewardship of the freedom Christ secured. It means using one’s liberty to build up, not to tear down, and to prioritize the well-being of others. This counters the self-centeredness of the flesh and reflects the self-giving nature of Christ Himself, thereby fulfilling the spirit of the Law.