Galatians 5 22

Galatians 5:22 kjv

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:22 nkjv

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22 niv

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22 esv

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22 nlt

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5 verses

Galatians 5 22 Meaning

The fruit of the Spirit is presented as a unified product of the Spirit's indwelling presence, not a series of individual, separate qualities. These are divine attributes that characterize the believer transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting God's own character.

Galatians 5 22 Context

This verse is situated within Paul's passionate exhortation in Galatians to live by the Spirit, contrasting it with living according to the flesh. Following the enumeration of the "works of the flesh," Paul presents the "fruit of the Spirit" as the positive outworking of a life truly led by God's Spirit. The letter itself addresses churches in Galatia who were being influenced by those advocating for adherence to Mosaic law for salvation. Paul argues that true freedom and life are found in the Spirit's transforming work, which is evidenced by these divine virtues.

Galatians 5 22 Word Analysis

• "The": Definite article, indicating a specific, singular entity.
• "fruit":
  • Greek: karpōsunē ( καρπός, karpos). Signifies the natural product or outcome of something.
  • In the Bible, "fruit" is often used metaphorically for the results of one's actions, character, or the blessings from God. It denotes something that matures and ripens.
• "of":
  • Greek: ek (ἐκ, ek) or tou (τοῦ, tou, genitive article). Indicates origin or source. The fruit originates from or belongs to the Spirit.
• "the": Definite article, again pointing to a specific, singular entity.
• "Spirit":
  • Greek: Pneumatos (Πνεύματος, pneumatos), the genitive case of Pneuma (Πνεῦμα). Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.
  • The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of regeneration, sanctification, and empowerment.
• "is":
  • Greek: esti (ἐστι, esti). The verb "to be," indicating existence or definition.
• "love":
  • Greek: agapē (ἀγάπη, agape). This is divine, unconditional, sacrificial love, the highest form of love, reflecting God's own nature.
• "joy":
  • Greek: chara (χαρά, chara). An inner gladness and delight that is independent of external circumstances, originating from one's relationship with God.
• "peace":
  • Greek: eirēnē (εἰρήνη, eirēnē). Refers to wholeness, well-being, harmony, reconciliation, both with God and between people.
• "longsuffering" / "patience":
  • Greek: makrothymia (μακροθυμία, makrothymia). Implies bearing with faults or injuries over a long period without retaliation. It's a patient endurance.
• "kindness":
  • Greek: chrēstotēs (χρηστότης, chrēstotēs). Gentleness, benevolence, a sweet disposition, acting with goodness and benefit towards others.
• "goodness":
  • Greek: agathosynē (ἀγαθωσύνη, agathosynē). Moral excellence, uprightness, doing good as an active principle.
• "faithfulness":
  • Greek: pistis (πίστις, pistis). Fidelity, trustworthiness, steadfastness, loyalty.
• "gentleness" / "meekness":
  • Greek: praotēs (πραότης, praotēs). Mildness of disposition, humility, forbearance, power under control, not weakness.
• "self-control" / "temperance":
  • Greek: egkrateia (ἐγκράτεια, egkrateia). The ability to exercise self-command and discipline over one's desires and actions.

Group Analysis: The nine virtues are often categorized into three groups of three:

1. Godward: Love, Joy, Peace (our relationship with God)
2. Manward: Patience, Kindness, Goodness (our conduct toward others)
3. Self-ward: Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control (our internal disposition and mastery)

This structure reveals a progression: love rooted in God leads to outward expressions towards people, all underpinned by inner spiritual discipline.

Galatians 5 22 Bonus Section

The concept of "fruit" in the Old Testament (e.g., in Deuteronomy regarding blessings for obedience or curses for disobedience) anticipates this New Testament usage. While the flesh produces "works"—activities of human effort often driven by self-interest—the Spirit produces "fruit," which is a natural outflow of a life connected to the divine source, reflecting an inherent change of nature. The term agathosynē (goodness) has an active, robust sense of moral excellence. Praotēs (gentleness) is not weakness but powerful self-restraint and humility, seen supremely in Christ. Egkrateia (self-control) is the mastery of all impulses and appetites by the Spirit's power, essential for consistent Christian living and for demonstrating true freedom.

Galatians 5 22 Commentary

The "fruit of the Spirit" is not an acquisition of human effort but a cultivation by the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. These qualities are intrinsically linked; one flows into the other, painting a picture of Christlikeness. This fruit is the visible evidence of genuine spirituality, differentiating true disciples from mere imitators. It's singular ("fruit"), suggesting a holistic outcome rather than a mere checklist. The list moves from relational virtues to those governing oneself, culminating in mastery. The enduring nature of fruit also implies a maturity that develops over time.

• Practical application: Cultivating these virtues means consciously yielding to the Spirit's guidance in daily decisions, prayer, and interactions. When faced with difficult people, a Spirit-filled person can exhibit makrothymia (longsuffering) and chrēstotēs (kindness) instead of anger. In challenging situations, chara (joy) and eirēnē (peace) can be maintained through dependence on God.