Galatians 5:20 kjv
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Galatians 5:20 nkjv
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
Galatians 5:20 niv
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
Galatians 5:20 esv
idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Galatians 5:20 nlt
idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
Galatians 5 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 5:19 | Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, … | Galatians 5:19 (Sinful deeds) |
| Rom 1:29-31 | ... covenantbreakers, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers. | Romans 1:29-31 (Implied sins) |
| Col 3:8 | But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, … | Colossians 3:8 (Similar sins) |
| Eph 4:31 | Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away.. | Ephesians 4:31 (Exclusions) |
| 1 John 3:15 | Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer... | 1 John 3:15 (Hatred = murder) |
| Rom 8:7 | For the desires of the flesh are hostile to God... | Romans 8:7 (Flesh vs. God) |
| James 4:4 | Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? | James 4:4 (Worldly friendship) |
| Eph 2:3 | ... fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind… | Ephesians 2:3 (Flesh's desires) |
| Rom 13:12 | ... put on the armor of light. | Romans 13:12 (Contrast) |
| Prov 10:12 | Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. | Proverbs 10:12 (Hatred effect) |
| Prov 17:1 | Better is a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of… feast. | Proverbs 17:1 (Peace valued) |
| Matt 5:22 | But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother... | Matthew 5:22 (Inner anger) |
| 1 Sam 15:23 | For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and disloyalty as iniquity... | 1 Samuel 15:23 (Rebellion) |
| Titus 3:3 | For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray… | Titus 3:3 (Past state) |
| 1 Cor 6:9-10 | ... nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers... | 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (Vices) |
| Jude 1:10 | But these creaturesblaspheme at whatever they do not understand... | Jude 1:10 (Unreasoning hate) |
| Eph 4:2 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another… | Ephesians 4:2 (Spirit's fruits) |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with all people, and for the holiness without which... | Hebrews 12:14 (Pursue peace) |
| Rom 7:5 | For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions aroused by the law… | Romans 7:5 (Sinful passions) |
| John 15:18 | If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. | John 15:18 (World's hatred) |
Galatians 5 verses
Galatians 5 20 Meaning
The word translated as "enmities" (ἔχθραι, echthrai) refers to states of hostility, enmity, or hatred between individuals or groups. In the context of Galatians 5:20, it signifies active antagonism and malice, which are the result of fleshly desires acting in opposition to the Holy Spirit. This opposition can manifest as ill will, conflict, and broken relationships.
Galatians 5 20 Context
Galatians chapter 5 lists the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Verse 20 falls within the catalog of "works of the flesh." Paul is contrasting the destructive nature of living according to the sinful nature (the flesh) with the positive transformation that occurs when guided by the Holy Spirit. This section highlights the moral failings that are evident when individuals operate apart from God's divine influence. The emphasis is on the internal disposition and its external manifestations that disrupt peace and community.
Galatians 5 20 Word Analysis
- εἰσὶν (eisin): This is the third-person plural present active indicative of the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It translates to "are."
- ἔχθραι (echthrai): This is the nominative plural feminine form of the noun ἔχθρα (echthra), meaning "enmity," "hatred," "hostility." It is a state of opposition or antagonism. This word signifies more than just dislike; it implies a deep-seated hostility or a declaration of war between parties. In a plural form, it suggests the various ways this enmity can manifest or the multiple sources of such hostility.
- ἔχθραι (echthrai): The recurrence of this word emphasizes the pervasive and destructive nature of enmity stemming from the flesh. It’s not a singular issue but a characteristic of the fallen human nature that results in broken relationships and conflicts.
Galatians 5 20 Bonus Section
The Greek word echthra is also found in Romans 8:7, where it describes the flesh's desires as being "hostile to God." This establishes a fundamental enmity between the unredeemed flesh and the divine will. The presence of "enmities" in the list of fleshly works underlines that personal animosity is not merely a social failing but a spiritual one, indicative of an unregenerate heart estranged from God and therefore prone to conflict with others. This also connects to the idea of original sin, where humanity inherited a nature predisposed to opposition against God.
Galatians 5 20 Commentary
"Enmities" are the deliberate states of opposition and active hostility that arise from the carnal mind. They are born out of the flesh's rebellion against God and express themselves in ill will, disputes, and feuds between people. These are not accidental disagreements but rooted animosities that fracture relationships and communities. They stand in stark contrast to the unity and love fostered by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual principle teaches that without divine intervention, human nature tends toward conflict rather than concord.