Galatians 5:15 kjv
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Galatians 5:15 nkjv
But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Galatians 5:15 niv
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Galatians 5:15 esv
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:15 nlt
But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
Galatians 5 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Galatians 5:15 | "But if you bite and devour one another..." | Warning against strife |
| Romans 1:29 | "...malice; full of envy, murder, strife..." | Characterizing ungodliness |
| 1 Corinthians 3:3 | "For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife and divisions among you..." | Carnal divisions |
| 1 Corinthians 11:18 | "For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you..." | Divisions in the church |
| 1 Peter 4:8 | "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves..." | Fervent charity |
| James 3:14-16 | "But if you have bitter envy and self-interest in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. This sort of wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-interest exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." | Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom |
| Matthew 22:39 | "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." | The Great Commandment |
| John 13:34-35 | "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” | Marks of Discipleship |
| Ephesians 4:30-31 | "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." | Grieving the Spirit |
| Proverbs 17:14 | "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop the quarrel before it gets out of hand." | Stopping strife early |
| Proverbs 18:6-7 | "A fool’s lips walk into confrontation, And his mouth invites destruction. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul." | Foolish talk |
| Galatians 5:17 | "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you are not to do the things that you wish." | Flesh vs. Spirit |
| Galatians 5:26 | "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." | Avoiding conceit |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." | God is love |
| Hebrews 12:14 | "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:" | Pursuing peace |
| Romans 12:10 | "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" | Brotherly love |
| Philippians 2:3 | "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself." | Humility |
| Galatians 6:7 | "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." | Sowing and Reaping |
| Romans 6:12 | "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its sinful desires." | Not letting sin reign |
| Mark 3:25 | "And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." | Divided house |
Galatians 5 verses
Galatians 5 15 Meaning
This verse speaks of internal conflict within the community, where severe biting and devouring can lead to mutual destruction. It highlights a breakdown in brotherly love and unity, warning against the consequences of such strife.
Galatians 5 15 Context
Galatians 5:15 occurs within the larger discussion in Galatians 5 about the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. Paul has just been elaborating on the "works of the flesh" in verses 19-21 and the "fruit of the Spirit" in verses 22-23. The preceding verse (v. 14) emphasizes that the entire Law is fulfilled in one command: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This verse serves as a stark warning about the opposite of love—strife and division—that arises when believers fail to uphold this command. The historical context involves early Christian communities, such as those in Galatia, who were facing internal tensions, possibly influenced by Judaizing factions or a failure to fully grasp the implications of the Gospel message. The "biting and devouring" signifies destructive interpersonal conflicts that threaten to tear the community apart, ultimately leading to self-destruction.
Galatians 5 15 Word analysis
but (de): A conjunction that introduces a contrast or exception. It connects this verse to the preceding positive instruction about love, highlighting a negative reality that can undermine it.
if (ean): A conditional particle, indicating a hypothetical or potential situation. It introduces the premise for the consequence that follows.
you (hyreis): Plural form, addressing the collective community of believers in Galatia.
bite (daknete): From the Greek word dakno, meaning to bite, to sting, or to wound with the teeth. It vividly portrays aggressive, hurtful verbal or spiritual attacks.
and (kai): Connects the two verbs, "bite" and "devour."
devour (katesthio): From katesthio, meaning to eat up, consume, or destroy completely. It intensifies the idea of destruction begun by biting, suggesting utter ruin.
one another (allelous): Reciprocal pronoun, indicating that the actions are directed within the community itself, a mutual antagonism.
you (hyreis): Again, plural, reinforcing that the consequence affects the entire group.
will be consumed (kateleisthe): Future passive form of kateleio, meaning to bring to an end, consume, or destroy. This signifies an inevitable outcome if the destructive behavior continues, implying a communal downfall or self-annihilation.
bite and devour one another: This phrase paints a picture of internal conflict escalating from sharp words or accusations ("biting") to a complete, destructive tearing down of individuals or the community's unity ("devouring").
you will be consumed: The consequence is not an external judgment initially, but an internal destruction caused by their own actions, leading to their eventual downfall as a community.
Galatians 5 15 Bonus section
This verse encapsulates the inherent danger of unchecked carnality within a spiritual community. While the "works of the flesh" mentioned earlier (like enmity, strife, jealousy) manifest in destructive behaviors, v. 15 highlights the specific and dire consequence of these behaviors when directed inward. It underscores that the failure to uphold the unity and love commanded by Christ can lead to self-inflicted damage, hindering the community's ability to function effectively and bear witness to the Gospel. The language suggests a process: initial harshness ("bite") escalates into complete destruction ("devour"), resulting in being "consumed" by their own internal warfare, echoing Old Testament warnings about civil strife (e.g., 2 Sam. 20:21-22; Isa. 9:19-21). This passage serves as a crucial reminder of the essential role of love in maintaining the health and effectiveness of the church.
Galatians 5 15 Commentary
The failure to practice the command to love one's neighbor as oneself leads to destructive behavior within the church. When members of a Christian community attack each other with harsh words and critical attitudes, they risk destroying themselves. This internal conflict is not merely a minor disagreement; it is a spiritual danger that can consume the life and testimony of the fellowship. The outcome of such divisions is mutual ruin, where everyone suffers the loss of unity, peace, and spiritual vitality. The antidote to this destructive tendency is a deep and abiding love, actively practiced, that puts the well-being of others above one's own interests.
- Practical Application: Christians are urged to guard their speech and to avoid gossip, harsh criticism, and judgmental attitudes towards fellow believers. Instead, they should strive for reconciliation, understanding, and mutual edification.