Galatians 5:26 kjv
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:26 nkjv
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:26 niv
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:26 esv
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:26 nlt
Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
Galatians 5 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Galatians 5:26 | Let us not become boastful, provoking one another, envying one another. | Core exhortation |
| Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility vs. Conceit |
| 1 Corinthians 10:24 | Let no one seek his own good, but each his neighbor's good. | Neighbor's good first |
| Romans 12:10 | Love one another with genuine affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Mutual Honor |
| James 4:6 | God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. | God's opposition to pride |
| Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Warning against pride |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." | Humility toward one another |
| 1 Corinthians 1:29 | so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. | No boasting in God's presence |
| Ephesians 4:2 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, | Humility in conduct |
| Proverbs 25:27 | It is not good to eat too much honey, and seeking too much honor is not honorable. | Avoid excessive honor |
| Colossians 3:12 | Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, | Fruits of the Spirit |
| Matthew 20:26-27 | It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, | Greatness in service |
| 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. | Worldly desires |
| Romans 1:30 | insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, | Negative qualities |
| Proverbs 3:34 | Towards the mockers he may mock, but towards the humble he gives favor. | God's favor on the humble |
| James 3:14-16 | But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. | Worldly wisdom vs. Divine |
| Galatians 6:3 | For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. | Self-deception in pride |
| Romans 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. | Bearing with the weak |
| Galatians 6:14 | But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. | Boasting only in the Cross |
| Philippians 4:11 | not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. | Contentment |
Galatians 5 verses
Galatians 5 26 Meaning
This verse is an admonishment against pride and a call to humility, encouraging believers to avoid self-glorification and instead reflect the character of Christ.
Galatians 5 26 Context
Galatians 5:26 is found in the concluding section of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The chapter contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit." Following the enumeration of the fruit of the Spirit in verses 22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), verse 26 serves as a practical application of these spiritual qualities. It cautions believers against attitudes and behaviors that would undermine the unity and spiritual well-being of the community, directly stemming from a lack of self-control and genuine humility. The letter is addressing a situation where some were emphasizing adherence to the Law of Moses for salvation, which Paul countered by stressing salvation through faith in Christ and the resulting life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This verse thus acts as a crucial instruction for how those led by the Spirit should interact within the community.
Galatians 5 26 Word Analysis
- Let us (hémetōn - ἡμῶν) - First-person plural, possessive pronoun. Indicates a collective statement or exhortation directed at the believers, including the writer.
- not (mē - μή) - Particle used for negative prohibition.
- become (ginōmésa - γινώμεθα) - First-person plural, aorist subjunctive of ginomai (γίνομαι), meaning "to become," "to be born," "to come into being." The subjunctive mood indicates a potential action or a cautionary statement about a state they might enter into.
- conceited (kenodóxoi - κενοδοξοι) - Adjective meaning "vainglorious," "empty-headed," "puffed up with empty pride," "boastful." It is a compound word from kenos (κενός), meaning "empty," and doxa (δόξα), meaning "glory," "opinion," "honor." It describes a state of having an inflated opinion of oneself based on false or unsubstantial grounds.
- provoking (proskalouméni - προσκαλοῦνται) - Present active participle of proskaleō (προσκαλέω), meaning "to call forth," "to invite," "to provoke to action." Here it implies actively stirring up others.
- one another (allélous - ἀλλήλους) - Reciprocal pronoun, accusative case. Denotes interaction between individuals within the group.
- envying (phthonoúntes - φθονοῦντες) - Present active participle of phthoneō (φθονέω), meaning "to envy," "to grudge." It signifies harboring ill will or desiring what others possess, often accompanied by bitterness.
Group Analysis:
- "conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (kenodóxoi, proskalouméni allélous, phthonoúntes allélous - κενοδοξοι, προσκαλοῦνται ἀλλήλους, φθονοῦντες ἀλλήλους) - This phrase describes a trio of interconnected negative attitudes and behaviors that disrupt unity and spiritual growth. Vainglory leads to challenging or provoking others, which in turn can foster envy or jealousy. The use of the present participle suggests these are ongoing tendencies to be avoided.
Galatians 5 26 Bonus Section
The concept of "provoking one another" can also be understood in a more positive sense in other biblical contexts (e.g., Hebrews 10:24 – "let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works"). However, in Galatians 5:26, the adjective "conceited" preceding the participles "provoking" and "envying" clearly frames these actions in a negative, pride-driven light, emphasizing the detrimental effect on unity and charity within the church. The core issue is the source of motivation: either the self (pride, flesh) or the Spirit (love, humility).
Galatians 5 26 Commentary
This verse highlights the practical outworking of true spirituality in interpersonal relationships. Instead of cultivating pride or self-importance (vainglory), believers are called to foster humility. Vainglory breeds a competitive spirit, leading to antagonism and resentment among the brethren. The call is to cultivate qualities like love and gentleness, which promote peace and mutual encouragement, rather than behaviors that incite conflict or covetousness. This contrasts sharply with worldly systems that often reward boasting and competition. True spiritual standing is not found in personal accomplishments that attract human praise, but in submission to the Spirit's guidance, which manifests as humility, selfless love, and genuine concern for others, echoing the example of Christ Himself.