Galatians 5:21 kjv
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21 nkjv
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21 niv
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21 esv
envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21 nlt
envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Galatians 5 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Galatians 5:21 | ...will inherit the kingdom of God. | warning |
| 1 Corinthians 6:9 | ...nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. | similar list |
| Ephesians 5:5 | For you may be sure of this, that whoever is sexually immoral or impure, or is greedy (an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. | inherit Kingdom |
| Revelation 22:15 | Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. | excluded from Kingdom |
| Matthew 7:21 | “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. | entry requirement |
| Romans 1:32 | Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. | approval leads to death |
| Colossians 3:6 | On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. | wrath of God |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | actions for God |
| Romans 6:12 | Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its desires. | not reign in body |
| Galatians 5:16 | Live by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. | walk by Spirit |
| Galatians 5:24 | And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. | crucified the flesh |
| 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “bad company ruins good morals.” | deception warning |
| Hebrews 12:14 | Strive for peace with all, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | holiness essential |
| 2 Peter 2:20 | For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. | worse after escape |
| Jude 1:4 | For certain intruders have secretly slipped in who were long ago designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. | pervert grace |
| 1 John 3:8 | Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been plotting from the beginning. | practice of sin |
| John 3:3 | Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” | born again necessity |
| Acts 3:23 | And it shall be, that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from the people. | consequences for disobedience |
| Romans 8:13 | For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. | life by Spirit |
| Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. | focus on good |
| Galatians 5:17 | For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things that you want. | flesh vs. Spirit |
Galatians 5 verses
Galatians 5 21 Meaning
Galatians 5:21 speaks of the inevitable and destructive consequences of continuing in practices opposed to the Holy Spirit's fruit. It highlights that habitual indulgence in works of the flesh leads to exclusion from the Kingdom of God. It is a warning against embracing and practicing sinful behavior.
Galatians 5 21 Context
This verse is situated in a strong polemic in Galatians, where Paul is defending the doctrine of justification by faith against those who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. The preceding verses list the "works of the flesh" which are antithetical to the "fruit of the Spirit." This verse serves as a dire warning and conclusion to that list, emphasizing the grave spiritual consequence of living a life dominated by sinful desires rather than yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Galatians 5 21 Word Analysis
- οἶδα (oida): "I know" or "I declare" in a declarative sense.
- ὅτι (hoti): "that," introducing the following clause.
- οἱ (hoi): The masculine plural definite article, referring to people.
- τοιοῦτοι (toioutoi): "such persons," "such kinds of people." This refers back to those practicing the works of the flesh just enumerated.
- βασιλείαν (basileian): "kingdom." Refers specifically to the Kingdom of God, God's reign and rule.
- τοῦ (tou): The genitive singular masculine definite article, modifying "God."
- θεοῦ (theou): "God," the Sovereign ruler of all.
- κINPUTTEXT= (kleronomousin): From the verb kleronomeō, meaning "to inherit," "to receive as an inheritance." It signifies an rightful possession, often by promise or bequest.
- Analysis: The phrasing implies that a habitual pattern of living characterized by the "works of the flesh" disqualifies one from the promised inheritance of God's kingdom. It’s not about isolated failures but a consistent disposition and practice. This echoes the Old Testament concept of inheritance tied to obedience and faithfulness.
Galatians 5 21 Bonus Section
The concept of "inheritance" is central to biblical theology, particularly concerning God's covenant people. In the Old Testament, inheritance often referred to the Promised Land (e.g., Joshua). In the New Testament, it expands to encompass spiritual blessings and ultimately, eternal life in God's eternal kingdom. Paul's inclusion of this term underscores the eternal consequence of choosing fleshly pursuits over spiritual transformation. The inability to "inherit the kingdom" implies an active disqualification, not a loss of something previously possessed, but a failure to meet the conditions of God's gracious provision through Christ for those who are born of the Spirit.
Galatians 5 21 Commentary
Paul delivers a stern warning: a life deliberately and persistently practicing the "works of the flesh"—as listed in the preceding verses—will ultimately result in being excluded from inheriting the Kingdom of God. This exclusion is not arbitrary; it stems from the inherent incompatibility of unrepentant sin with God's holy reign. Those who choose to live according to their sinful nature rather than by the Spirit's power cannot possess the eternal inheritance reserved for those transformed by Christ. It's a stark reminder that genuine faith manifests in a life that is progressively moving away from sin and towards righteousness.