Galatians 5

Galatians 5 contrasts the freedom of the Spirit with the bondage of the flesh, listing the works of the flesh against the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering and more.

The Book of Galatians · New Testament · chapter 5 of 6.

Where this chapter sits

Written into a dispute over whether gentile believers needed circumcision and the law of Moses, the argument here opens with Paul's sharpest line on the subject, warning that accepting that requirement would cut them off from Christ. Coming after chapters that argued the point from Abraham and the promise, it turns toward a broader contrast between flesh and Spirit, explaining why freedom from the law is not a license for self-indulgence.

Key verses (KJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” — Galatians 5:22 (KJV)

What to notice as you read

Compare the grammar of the two lists, works of the flesh stated as a plural catalogue, fruit of the Spirit given as one word with many facets. The chapter's command to walk in the Spirit functions as the practical answer to the flesh it has just named.

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Other chapters worth reading

• Ephesians 6
• Philippians 4
• Colossians 3
• Hebrews 11

Explore more

• Full overview of Galatians
• Read the whole Bible offline
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Frequently asked questions

Where does Galatians 5 come in Galatians?

It is chapter 5 of 6 in Galatians, a book of Epistle in the New Testament. The other widely-read chapters of Galatians are linked further down this page.

Where can I read Galatians 5?

Read the full text of Galatians 5 — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.