New International Version So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. New Living Translation So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. English Standard Version But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Berean Standard Bible So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Berean Literal Bible Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you⁺ shall never complete the desire of the flesh. King James Bible This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. New King James Version I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. New American Standard Bible But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. NASB 1995 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. NASB 1977 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Legacy Standard Bible But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Amplified Bible But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. Berean Annotated Bible So I say, walk by the Spirit {Pneumati}, and you⁺ will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Christian Standard Bible I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. Holman Christian Standard Bible I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. American Standard Version But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Contemporary English Version If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. English Revised Version But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. GOD'S WORD® Translation Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. Good News Translation What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. International Standard Version So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never fulfill the desires of the flesh. NET Bible But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. New Heart English Bible But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Webster's Bible Translation This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Weymouth New Testament This then is what I mean. Let your lives be guided by the Spirit, and then you will certainly not indulge the cravings of your lower natures. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. World English Bible But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I say, walk in the Spirit, and you may not fulfill the desire of the flesh; Berean Literal Bible Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you⁺ shall never complete the desire of the flesh. Young's Literal Translation And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete; Smith's Literal Translation And I say, Walk in Spirit, and complete not the desire of the flesh. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI say then, walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Catholic Public Domain Version So then, I say: Walk in the spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. New American Bible I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. New Revised Standard Version Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis I say then: Lead a spiritual life, and you shall never commit the lust of the flesh. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But I say that you should be walking in The Spirit and the craving of the flesh you will never do. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI say this: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Godbey New Testament And I say, Walk about in the Spirit, and do not perfect the lust of carnality. Haweis New Testament But I say, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Mace New Testament I say then, conduct yourselves by the spirit, and you will not then gratify the animal passions. Weymouth New Testament This then is what I mean. Let your lives be guided by the Spirit, and then you will certainly not indulge the cravings of your lower natures. Worrell New Testament But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye will not fulfill the desire of the flesh. Worsley New Testament I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfil the desire of the flesh: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Living by the Spirit15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.… Cross References So I say, Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: walk by the Spirit, John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. and you will not gratify Romans 13:14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. 1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. the desires of the flesh. 1 John 2:16-17 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Romans 8:5-8 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, / because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. … Romans 8:4-5 so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. / Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 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. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Treasury of Scripture This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. I say. Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; Walk. Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Romans 8:1,4,5,12-14 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit… and. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, … Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Romans 13:13,14 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying… ye shall not fulfil. Jump to Previous Carry Complete Cravings Desire Desires Evil Flesh Fulfil Fulfill Gratify Guided Indulge Lust Mean Nature Natures Rule Sinful Spirit Walk Way Won'tJump to Next Carry Complete Cravings Desire Desires Evil Flesh Fulfil Fulfill Gratify Guided Indulge Lust Mean Nature Natures Rule Sinful Spirit Walk Way Won'tGalatians 5 1. He wills them to stand in their liberty,3. and not to observe circumcision; 13. but rather love, which is the sum of the law. 19. He lists the works of the flesh, 22. and the fruits of the Spirit, 25. and exhorts to walk in the Spirit. So I say, Paul continues his instruction to the Galatian believers, directing them away from reliance on the law and toward the life God provides through faith in Christ. Rom 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy,… walk by the Spirit, Believers are to order their daily conduct under the Holy Spirit’s leading, depending on His power rather than human effort. Jhn 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another… and you will not gratify As the Spirit governs a believer’s life, sinful impulses are not allowed to rule or be fulfilled or completed in their intended expression. Rom 13:14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,… the desires of the flesh. The flesh is humanity’s fallen nature, with its self-centered desires and rebellion against God. It remains opposed to the Spirit, producing attitudes and actions inconsistent with the new life believers have received in Christ. 1Jn 2:16-17 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Galatians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. Galatia A region in modern-day Turkey where the recipients of this letter resided. The Galatian churches were dealing with issues related to legalism and the influence of Judaizers. 3. The Holy Spirit The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to live according to God's will and resist sinful desires. 4. The Flesh In this context, "the flesh" refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit. 5. The Judaizers A group of individuals in the early church who taught that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision, to be saved. Teaching Points Walking by the SpiritTo "walk by the Spirit" means to live in continuous dependence on and obedience to the Holy Spirit. This involves daily surrender and attentiveness to His guidance. Resisting the Flesh The desires of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit. By walking in the Spirit, believers are empowered to resist these desires and live a life pleasing to God. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is essential in the believer's sanctification process, providing strength, wisdom, and conviction to live a godly life. Freedom in Christ Walking by the Spirit leads to true freedom, not to indulge in sin, but to live in righteousness and love, fulfilling the law of Christ. Practical Steps Engage in regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers to cultivate a Spirit-led life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Galatians 5:16?2. How can we "walk by the Spirit" in our daily lives? 3. What does Galatians 5:16 teach about resisting "the desires of the flesh"? 4. How does Galatians 5:16 connect with Romans 8:5-6 on living by the Spirit? 5. What practical steps help us align with the Spirit's guidance? 6. How can we discern between fleshly desires and Spirit-led actions? 7. What does "walk by the Spirit" mean in Galatians 5:16? 8. How does Galatians 5:16 relate to Christian freedom from sin? 9. What is the "desire of the flesh" in Galatians 5:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Galatians 5? (16-26) To follow the guidance of the Spirit is to obtain a double release: on the one hand, from the evil appetites and passions of the flesh or of sense--which is the direct antithesis to the Spirit--and on the other hand, from the dominion of the Law. It is easy to tell which has the upper hand--the flesh or the Spirit. The flesh is known by a long catalogue of sins, the Spirit by a like catalogue of Christian graces, the mere mention of which is enough to show that the Law has no power over them. Those who belong to Christ have got rid of the flesh, with all its impulses, by their union with a crucified Saviour. All the Christian has to do is to act really by the rule of the Spirit, without self-parade or quarrelling. (16) Walk.--Conduct yourselves: a metaphor very common in the writings of St. Paul, but not peculiar to them. It occurs three times in the Gospels, once in the Acts, thirty-three times in St. Paul's Epistles, once in the Hebrews, ten times in the Epistles of St. John, and once in the Apocalypse. In the Spirit.--Rather, by the Spirit--i.e. by the rule of the Spirit, as the Spirit directs. "The Spirit" is here undoubtedly the Holy Spirit--the Spirit of God, not the spirit in man. Verse 16. - This I say then (λέγω δέ). Like τοῦτο δὲ λέγω in Galatians 3:17, and λέγω δὲ in Galatians 4:1, the phrase, λέγω δέ, here introduces a further illustration of a point already referred to. It points back to the line of remark commenced in ver. 13 in the words, "No freedom to be an occasion to the flesh! but through love be in bondage one to another." The voluntary bondage of love is one most important part of the spiritual life; as indulgence in malignant passions is also a leading branch of the working of the flesh. The mention, therefore, of these two points in vers. 14, 15 naturally leads up to the more general exhortation of the present passage. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil (or, fulfil not) the lust of the flesh (Πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε καὶ ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε); walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust (or, desire) of the flesh. The precise meaning of the several words and statements in this verse, as also in the two which follow it, have been much disputed. It must suffice here briefly to explain and justify what appears to the present writer the true view. The word "spirit," it seems most natural to understand in all three in the same sense. To take it in the first two verses as meaning that part of our composite being which has the nearest affinity to the higher moral and spiritual life (whether as in a state of nature or as informed by the Spirit of God), whilst in ver. 18 its import is determined by comparison with other passages to be the Divine Spirit, appears to be an arbitrary variation of its sense, which there is no necessity for adopting. The "Spirit" is mentioned alongside with "the flesh," not because it belongs to the like category of being a part of our nature, but because he has been graciously sent forth by God to contravene in us that evil principle which else we should be unable to overcome. This evil principle is termed "the flesh;" not as being merely sensual corruption, though vices of that class are mentioned in vers. 19 and 21 as leading instances of its working; for we see in vers. 20 and 21 vicious works of the flesh specified, which are to be referred to malignity (comp. 1 Corinthians 3:3), or to a perversion of the religious element, rather than to sensuality. It appears, therefore, to denote the principle of corruption which taints our moral nature in general - that which in the ninth of the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England is deflated under the heading of "Original or Birth-Sin.' The word "flesh" may be supposed to have been selected to denote this, because the depravation of our sensuous beings into sensuality constituted the most prominent and noticeable form in which the general degradation of our state from its proper nobler life in God manifests itself. The dative case of Πνεύματι, marks - either the sphere, element, path, in which we are to walk, which is intended by the rendering in our Authorized Version, "in the Spirit," as the dative is used with πορεύεσθαι (Authorized Version, "walk" ) in Acts 9:31; Acts 14:16, and with περιπατεῖν, walk, in Acts 21:21; 2 Corinthians 12:18; or the rule according to which, together with the enabling power by which, our daily behaviour is to be regulated, so as to be synonymous with the phrase, "walking after (κατὰ) the Spirit," in Romans 8:4. The meaning at all events seems to be, Let the prompting of the Spirit be your guide, and the grace of the Spirit your strength, in the course of your life continually. This is afterwards expressed as being "led by the Spirit" (ver. 18), and as an "orderly walking by the Spirit' (ver. 25). The exhortation implies two things: first, that the Christians addressed, had had the gift of the Holy Spirit imparted to them (comp. Galatians 3:2; Galatians 4:6, where" our hearts" includes the persons addressed; 1 Corinthians 12:13); and next, that this gift would not avail for the actual sanctification of their life without diligent endeavours after self-improvement on their own part. Comp. Philippians 2:12, 13, "Work out your own salvation [i.e. by your own endeavours work out your salvation] with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." The generality of the form in which the exhortation is couched intimates that they were to endeavour to live in compliance with the Spirit's promptings in all the branches of spiritual activity proper to their Christian calling; not only in that of "love" already adverted to, but in those others also which the apostle presently after counts up in vers. 22, 23. It inculcates, therefore, the cultivation of a joyous spirit of filial love towards God, as well as a high strain of virtuous conduct towards their fellow-men and in relation to their own selves. In the next clause, the words, οὐ μὴ τελέσητε, "ye shall not fulfil." are by many (see margin of our Authorized Version)taken in an imperative sense; as if it were, walk by the Spirit, and by no means fulfil the desire of the flesh. It is, however, with much force objected to this view that, although the future with οὐ is often used for an imperative, as οὐ κλοψεις οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, etc., there is no instance adduced of οὐ μὴ being used in the New Testament in this sense. We are led, therefore, to adopt the other view, that the passage belongs to that form of sentence in which an imperative clause is followed by a clause denoting the result which will ensue in case the direction before given has been complied with; as e.g. "Come unto me... and I will give you rest." In place of the simple οὐ τελέσετε, we have the more emphatic form, οὐ μὴ τελέσητε, "Of a surety ye will not," etc. By writing thus the apostle strongly accentuates the statement that walking by the Spirit is absolutely incompatible with an indulgence in the inclinations prompted by the flesh. There is probably a twofold doctrinal inference couched under this emphatic statement; namely, Ye will of a surety not fall under the Law's condemnation (comp. Romans 8:1-4); and, Ye will not need the Law's restraints (1 Timothy 1:9). But it is pregnant also with a hint of rebuke and of practical direction, not unneeded by the Galatians (ver. 15). The article is wanting before ἐπιθυμίαν, probably because it is wanting before σαρκός, as in καταβολῆς κόσμου, Luke 11:50; ἀρχῆς κτίσεως, Mark 10:6; ἔργων νόμου, Romans 3:20, etc.; so that ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς is put for τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν τῆς σαρκός. The verb τελέσητε is selected in preference to ποιήσητε (cf. Ephesians 2:2, ποιοῦντες) to express the idea that it is impossible for one walking by the Spirit to carry into full effect any desire of the flesh. For this is the proper force of the verb τελεῖν, of which the ever-memorable Τετέλεσται, "It is finished" (John 19:30), is a typical illustration. This meaning obtains even in Romans 2:28 and James 2:8. The apostle seems to concede that the desire of the flesh may be felt by one who is walking by the Spirit; nay, even in at least an inchoate degree, given way to; but this much he affirms, that it will be impossible for such a one to ear,' y it out into full accomplishment. This qualified representation of the Christian's holiness is intimated in the next verse more explicitly. Galatians 5:16 gives a Spirit-inspired command and a rock-solid promise. If we continually depend on the Holy Spirit, His power overrides our sinful nature’s urges, preventing us from carrying them out. Right belief in Christ’s completed work leads to Spirit-directed conduct, producing freedom from the flesh and fruit that glorifies God.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Soδέ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. I say, Λέγω (Legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. walk περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. by [the] Spirit, Πνεύματι (Pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. you will not gratify τελέσητε (telesēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5055: (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge. [the] desires ἐπιθυμίαν (epithymian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1939: Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing. [of the] flesh. σαρκὸς (sarkos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. Additonal Resources Galatians 5:16 Blue Letter BibleGalatians 5:16 Bible Gateway Galatians 5:16 Bible.com Galatians 5:16 NIV |
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