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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/48_Gal_05_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 5:16 - Living by the Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/galatians/5-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/galatians/5-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/galatians/">Galatians</a> > <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/5-15.htm" title="Galatians 5:15">◄</a> Galatians 5:16 <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm" title="Galatians 5:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/galatians/5.htm">New International Version</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/nlt/galatians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. <a href="/esv/galatians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you should not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/kjv/galatians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/nasb/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/lsb/galatians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/amp/galatians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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]. <a href="/csb/galatians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. <a href="/asv/galatians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. <a href="/cev/galatians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. <a href="/erv/galatians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. <a href="/gwt/galatians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/galatians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. <a href="/isv/galatians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never fulfill the desires of the flesh. <a href="/msb/galatians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/net/galatians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. <a href="/nheb/galatians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. <a href="/wbt/galatians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/web/galatians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I say, walk in the Spirit, and you may not fulfill the desire of the flesh; <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I say, walk by the Spirit, and you should not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/ylt/galatians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete; <a href="/slt/galatians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I say, Walk in Spirit, and complete not the desire of the flesh.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I say then, walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, I say: Walk in the spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. <a href="/nabre/galatians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This I say then: Lead a spiritual life, and you shall never commit the lust of the flesh. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I say that you should be walking in The Spirit and the craving of the flesh you will never do.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I say this: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. <a href="/godbey/galatians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And I say, Walk about in the Spirit, and do not perfect the lust of carnality. <a href="/haweis/galatians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I say, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. <a href="/mace/galatians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I say then, conduct yourselves by the spirit, and you will not then gratify the animal passions. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worrell/galatians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye will not fulfill the desire of the flesh. <a href="/worsley/galatians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye will not fulfil the desire of the flesh: <a href="/parallel/galatians/5-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=1100" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Living by the Spirit</a> 15But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I say,</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripateite (V-PMA-2P) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">walk</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">by the Spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5055.htm" title="5055: telesēte (V-ASA-2P) -- (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.">you will not gratify</a> <a href="/greek/1939.htm" title="1939: epithymian (N-AFS) -- Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.">the desires</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarkos (N-GFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">of the flesh.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Romans 8:13</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a> Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Romans 13:14</a> Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a> Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> 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. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5</a> Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. <a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a> Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a> And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">Psalm 143:10</a> Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.I say.<a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Galatians 3:17</a> 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.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm">1 Corinthians 7:29</a> But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;Walk.<a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25</a> If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Galatians 6:8</a> 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.<a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1,4,5,12-14</a> There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit… and.<a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, … <a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Romans 6:12</a> Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.<a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13,14</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Cravings</a> <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/galatians/1-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-3.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Gratify</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Lust</a> <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-4.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Cravings</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Gratify</a> <a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Lust</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 5</div>1. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">He wills them to stand in their liberty,</a> 3. <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">and not to observe circumcision;</a> 13. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">but rather love, which is the sum of the law.</a> 19. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">He lists the works of the flesh,</a> 22. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">and the fruits of the Spirit,</a> 25. <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">and exhorts to walk in the Spirit.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Paul is asserting his authority as an apostle and emphasizing the importance of the message he is about to deliver. The context is a letter addressing the conflict between living under the law and living by faith in Christ.walk by the Spirit "Walk" implies a continuous, active lifestyle or conduct. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, who is given to believers as a guide and helper. This phrase suggests a daily, moment-by-moment reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. It contrasts with walking according to the law or human effort. The concept of walking by the Spirit is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4</a>, which speaks of living according to the Spirit.and you will not gratify This is a promise of victory over sin. The Greek word used here for "gratify" can also mean "fulfill" or "complete," indicating that walking by the Spirit prevents the completion or fulfillment of sinful desires. This assurance is rooted in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.the desires of the flesh "Flesh" in this context refers to the sinful nature inherent in all humans, which is in opposition to the Spirit. The "desires" are the impulses and inclinations that lead to sin. This concept is further explained in <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, where Paul lists the works of the flesh. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is a common theme in Paul's writings, notably in <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18-25</a>, where he describes the internal conflict between the two.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/g/galatia.htm">Galatia</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to live according to God's will and resist sinful desires. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a> In this context, "the flesh" refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_judaizers.htm">The Judaizers</a> A group of individuals in the early church who taught that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision, to be saved.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/w/walking_by_the_spirit.htm">Walking by the Spirit</a> To "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. <a href="/topical/r/resisting_the_flesh.htm">Resisting the Flesh</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit is essential in the believer's sanctification process, providing strength, wisdom, and conviction to live a godly life. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a> 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. <a href="/topical/p/practical_steps.htm">Practical Steps</a> Engage in regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers to cultivate a Spirit-led life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_galatians_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 5</a> <a href="/q/is_gal._5_16-17_spirit_vs._flesh_scientific.htm">In Galatians 5:16–17, is the concept of spirit warring against the flesh scientifically implausible or metaphysical speculation? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'walk_by_the_spirit'_mean.htm">What does "Walk by the Spirit" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_walking_in_the_spirit_entail.htm">What does walking in the Spirit entail?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_faith_and_trust_differ.htm">What does walking in the Spirit entail?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - This I say then (λέγω δέ). Like τοῦτο δὲ λέγω in <a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Galatians 3:17</a>, and λέγω δὲ in <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1</a>, 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a>), 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 <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Acts 9:31</a>; <a href="/acts/14-16.htm">Acts 14:16</a>, and with περιπατεῖν, walk, in <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Acts 21:21</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">2 Corinthians 12:18</a>; 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 <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4</a>. 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. <a href="/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Galatians 4:6</a>, where" our hearts" includes the persons addressed; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">1 Corinthians 12:13</a>); 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. <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12, 13</a>, "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. <a href="/romans/8-1.htm">Romans 8:1-4</a>); and, Ye will not need the Law's restraints (<a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9</a>). 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, <a href="/luke/11-50.htm">Luke 11:50</a>; ἀρχῆς κτίσεως, <a href="/mark/10-6.htm">Mark 10:6</a>; ἔργων νόμου, <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a>, etc.; so that ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς is put for τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν τῆς σαρκός. The verb τελέσητε is selected in preference to ποιήσητε (cf. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a>, 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" (<a href="/john/19-30.htm">John 19:30</a>), is a typical illustration. This meaning obtains even in <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28</a> and <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a>. 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. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I say, Λέγω (Legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. you will not gratify τελέσητε (telesēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5055.htm">Strong's 5055: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1939.htm">Strong's 1939: </a> Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing. [of the] flesh. σαρκὸς (sarkos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 5:16 But I say walk by the Spirit (Gal. 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