Galatians 5 16

Galatians 5:16 kjv

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 nkjv

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 niv

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 esv

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 nlt

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Galatians 5 verses

Galatians 5 16 Meaning

This verse exhorts believers to actively choose a life led by the Holy Spirit, which is presented as the pathway to victory over sinful desires. It emphasizes that by walking in the Spirit, one will not fulfill the desires of the flesh, thereby avoiding the condemnation associated with sin.

Galatians 5 16 Context

Galatians chapter 5 centers on the concept of freedom in Christ, contrasting it with the bondage of legalism. Paul argues against the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to Jewish law (like circumcision) for salvation. In this chapter, Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" (sinful actions stemming from humanity's fallen nature) with the "fruit of the Spirit" (virtuous characteristics empowered by the Holy Spirit). Verse 16 serves as a pivotal command, establishing the means by which believers can live in this freedom: by actively walking according to the Spirit. This walk empowers them to overcome the desires of the flesh, which Paul lists in the preceding verses. The audience, primarily Gentile Christians in Galatia, was susceptible to legalistic teachings, making this instruction about reliance on the Spirit crucial for maintaining their spiritual liberty.

Galatians 5 16 Word Analysis

• εὰν (ean): "if" - A conditional particle introducing a supposition.
• περιπατῆτε (peripatēte): "walk" (present subjunctive, 2nd person plural) - From peripateō, meaning to walk, live, or conduct oneself. It implies a consistent, ongoing lifestyle. It's not a mere physical walk but a metaphorical one, signifying one's manner of life and spiritual disposition. This verb is used throughout the New Testament to describe the way a person lives (e.g., Rom 6:4, Eph 4:1).
• πνεύματι (pnevmati): "by the Spirit" (dative case) - Refers to the Holy Spirit. The dative case indicates the agency or means by which the walking is accomplished. It's by the power and guidance of the Spirit. This emphasizes that this lifestyle is not self-generated but divinely enabled.
• οὐ (ou): "not" - A strong negation.
• μὴ (mē): "not" (used with imperative or subjunctive, here with the implied verb of "fulfill") - Another negation, often used with the subjunctive mood for negative commands or prohibitions.
• τελέσητε (telesēte): "fulfill" or "carry out" (aorist subjunctive, 2nd person plural) - From teleō, meaning to bring to completion, finish, or accomplish. When linked with "desires of the flesh," it signifies giving way to or executing those desires, thereby bringing them to fruition.
• ἐπιθυμίαν (epithymian): "desire" (accusative singular) - From epithymia, meaning strong desire, longing, or craving. While it can refer to any desire, in the context of the flesh, it carries a negative connotation of sinful or ungodly lust. The singular form can encompass the collective impulse or a specific instance of such desire.
• σαρκός (sarkos): "of the flesh" (genitive singular) - From sarx, meaning flesh. It refers to the lower, earthly, fallen human nature, characterized by its sinful inclinations and opposition to God. This "flesh" is the source of the sinful desires.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "walk by the Spirit": This phrase highlights a cooperative relationship. It's not passive, but active engagement with the Spirit's leading. The Spirit empowers and guides; the believer follows and obeys. This contrasts with the passive state of being enslaved by the flesh.
• "you will not fulfill the desire of the flesh": This establishes a direct cause-and-effect. Consistent living guided by the Spirit directly counteracts and prevents the actualization of sinful cravings originating from the flesh. It signifies the Spirit's ability to both transform desires and provide strength to resist them.

Galatians 5 16 Bonus Section

The imperative "walk" (peripatēte) suggests a continuous, daily journey. It is a directive for every aspect of life. The contrast between walking by the Spirit and fulfilling the desires of the flesh implies that one cannot do both simultaneously. These are mutually exclusive paths. The freedom in Christ is not a license to sin but liberation from sin's dominion, achieved through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The verse points to the Spirit as the active agent in this process, enabling believers to live according to God's will.

Galatians 5 16 Commentary

To live a victorious Christian life, one must actively choose to be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This isn't about legalistic self-effort but about a dependent relationship with the Spirit. When we align our lives with the Spirit's guidance, we find that the power of our sinful desires weakens, and we are enabled to resist and overcome them, thus avoiding sin and its consequences. It’s a dynamic process of surrender and divine enablement.