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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 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/48_Gal_05_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 5:13 - Freedom in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. 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But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. <a href="/nlt/galatians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. <a href="/esv/galatians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you brothers were called to freedom, but not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. Rather, serve one another through love. <a href="/kjv/galatians/5.htm">King James Bible</a> For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. <a href="/nkjv/galatians/5.htm">New King James Version</a> For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/nasb_/galatians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. <a href="/nasb/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/nasb77/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/lsb/galatians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For you were called to freedom, brothers; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/amp/galatians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. <a href="/csb/galatians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. <a href="/hcsb/galatians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you were called to be free, brothers; only don&#8217t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. <a href="/asv/galatians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. <a href="/cev/galatians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don't use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. <a href="/erv/galatians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. <a href="/gwt/galatians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don't turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. <a href="/gnt/galatians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. <a href="/isv/galatians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity to gratify your flesh, but through love make it your habit to serve one another. <a href="/msb/galatians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/net/galatians/5.htm">NET Bible</a> For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. <a href="/nheb/galatians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only do not use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. <a href="/wbt/galatians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For, brethren, ye have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You however, brethren, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an excuse for giving way to your lower natures; but become bondservants to one another in a spirit of love. <a href="/web/galatians/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/galatians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For you were called to freedom, brothers, only the freedom [is] not for an occasion to the flesh, but serve one another through the love, <a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you brothers were called to freedom, but not the freedom for an opportunity to the flesh. Rather, serve one another through love. <a href="/ylt/galatians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For ye -- to freedom ye were called, brethren, only not the freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through the love serve ye one another, <a href="/slt/galatians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye were called to liberty brethren; only not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but through love serve ye one another.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/galatians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For you, brethren, have been called unto liberty: only make not liberty an occasion to the flesh, but by charity of the spirit serve one another. <a href="/cpdv/galatians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you, brothers, have been called to liberty. Only you must not make liberty into an occasion for the flesh, but instead, serve one another through the charity of the Spirit. <a href="/nabre/galatians/5.htm">New American Bible</a> For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. <a href="/nrsvce/galatians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/galatians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For, my brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only do not use your liberty for an occasion to the things of the flesh, but by love serve one another. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But you have been called to liberty, my brethren, only let not your liberty be an opportunity of the flesh, but you should be serving one another by love.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/galatians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you have been called to freedom, brethren: only use not your freedom as an occasion for the flesh, but become servants to one another, through love. <a href="/godbey/galatians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For you were called unto liberty, brethren; only use not the liberty unto an occasion to the flesh, but through divine love serve one another. <a href="/haweis/galatians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye have been called unto liberty, brethren; only use not that liberty as a pretext for carnality, but in love be subject one to another. <a href="/mace/galatians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for, brethren, you have been called to liberty, only abuse not this freedom as a pretext to vice, but in offices of love be as servants one to another. <a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You however, brethren, were called to freedom. Only do not turn your freedom into an excuse for giving way to your lower natures; but become bondservants to one another in a spirit of love. <a href="/worrell/galatians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For ye were called to freedom, brethren; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love serve one another; <a href="/worsley/galatians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only abuse not this liberty for an occasion to indulge the flesh, but by mutual love serve one another. <a href="/parallel/galatians/5-13.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=1072" 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">Freedom in Christ</a> …12As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves! 13<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: eklēthēte (V-AIP-2P) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">were called</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/1657.htm" title="1657: eleutheria (N-DFS) -- Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.">freedom;</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">but</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.">do not use</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1657.htm" title="1657: eleutherian (N-AFS) -- Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.">freedom</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">as</a> <a href="/greek/874.htm" title="874: aphormēn (N-AFS) -- From a compound of apo and hormao; a starting-point, i.e. an opportunity.">an opportunity</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh.</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">Rather,</a> <a href="/greek/1398.htm" title="1398: douleuete (V-PMA-2P) -- To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.">serve</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlois (RecPro-DMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēs (N-GFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love.</a> 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”…<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="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a> Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. <a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a> You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9</a> Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a> For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a> If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11</a> This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a> And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a> Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1-2</a> Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, / and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-14</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.ye.<a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.<a href="/galatians/4-5.htm">Galatians 4:5-7,22-31</a> To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons… <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;only.<a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9</a> But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.<a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a> As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.<a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">2 Peter 2:19</a> While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.but.<a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14,22</a> For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself… <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a> Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.<a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a> But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-23.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/galatians/4-29.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Free</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Freedom</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/galatians/4-30.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Liberty</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Love</a> <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/galatians/4-29.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/8-12.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-4.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/galatians/5-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Use</a> <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Free</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-12.htm">Freedom</a> <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Liberty</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Love</a> <a href="/galatians/6-17.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Natures</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Sinful</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/philippians/1-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Use</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Way</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/galatians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/galatians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For you, brothers, were called to freedom; This phrase emphasizes the Christian's calling to freedom, a central theme in Paul's letter to the Galatians. The term "brothers" indicates a familial relationship among believers, highlighting unity in Christ. The freedom mentioned is spiritual, referring to liberation from the Mosaic Law's constraints and the bondage of sin. This echoes Jesus' promise in <a href="/john/8-36.htm">John 8:36</a>, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Historically, the Galatians were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on adherence to Jewish law for salvation, which Paul refutes by affirming their call to freedom in Christ.but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Paul warns against misusing Christian liberty as a pretext for indulging in sinful desires. The "flesh" here represents the sinful nature, contrasting with the Spirit-led life. This caution aligns with <a href="/romans/6.htm">Romans 6:1-2</a>, where Paul asks if grace should lead to continued sin, answering emphatically that it should not. The cultural context of the time included various pagan practices that were contrary to Christian living, and Paul urges believers to avoid reverting to such behaviors. This admonition serves as a reminder that true freedom in Christ involves self-control and moral responsibility.Rather, serve one another in love. Paul redirects the focus from self-indulgence to selfless service, encapsulating the essence of Christian freedom. The call to "serve" is a call to humility and putting others' needs above one's own, reflecting Jesus' example in <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>, where He came to serve, not to be served. The phrase "in love" is crucial, as love is the fulfillment of the law (<a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a>) and the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>). This service in love is a practical outworking of faith, fostering community and unity within the body of Christ, and is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.<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, addressing the early Christian communities in the region of Galatia. 2. <a href="/topical/g/galatian_churches.htm">Galatian Churches</a> The recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers who were struggling with issues of legalism and Christian liberty. 3. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a> A central theme in Galatians, emphasizing liberation from the law and sin through faith in Jesus Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_flesh.htm">The Flesh</a> Refers to the sinful nature and desires that are contrary to the Spirit. 5. <a href="/topical/s/service_in_love.htm">Service in Love</a> The call to use Christian freedom to serve others selflessly, reflecting Christ's love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_christian_freedom.htm">Understanding Christian Freedom</a> Christian freedom is not a license to indulge in sinful desires but a call to live a life that honors God. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_the_flesh.htm">The Danger of the Flesh</a> The "flesh" represents our sinful nature, and believers must be vigilant not to let it dominate their lives. <a href="/topical/s/serving_others_in_love.htm">Serving Others in Love</a> True freedom in Christ is expressed through loving service to others, reflecting the love of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the flesh and live a life of love and service. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> Believers are called to support and hold each other accountable in living out their freedom responsibly.<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/how_do_descriptive_vs._prescriptive_differ.htm">How do descriptive and prescriptive approaches differ?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_being_free_in_christ_mean.htm">What does being free in Christ mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_loren_cunningham.htm">Who is Loren Cunningham?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_interdependence.htm">What does the Bible say about interdependence?</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>(13-15) The Judaisers would deserve such a fate; for they are undoing the whole object with which you were called. You were called, not to legal bondage, but to freedom. This caution only is needed: Do not make freedom a pretext for self-indulgence. One servitude you may submit to--the service of love. So doing, you will fulfil the Law without being legalists. He who loves his neighbour as himself will need no other rule. On the other hand, dissensions will be fatal, not to one party only, but to all who take part in them.(13) For.--This connecting particle supplies the reason for the Apostle's severe treatment of the Judaisers.An occasion to the flesh.--Do not, under the name "liberty," give way to sensual excesses. This was the especial danger of the Gentile churches, such as Corinth, from which, as we have seen, the Apostle may have been writing. Galatia, too, was a Gentile church; and though it was for the present subject rather to Judaising influences, the character of the people was fickle, and St. Paul may have thought it well to hint a caution in this direction.Serve.--There is a stress upon this word. The Apostle had been dissuading the Galatians from submitting to other forms of servitude. This one he will permit them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty (ὑμεῖς γὰρ ἐπ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε ἀδελφοί); for ye, brethren, were called unto (Greek, for) freedom. The "for" points back to the closing words of the preceding verse, which implied a settled state of well-being from which those troublers were driving his readers; that happy state (the apostle says) was the very glory and essence of their "calling." This, of course, was that condition of free men described at the end of the foregoing chapter, and summarized in the first verse of this chapter. This is again, even more briefly, recapitulated in the first clause of the present verse. As the summary in the first verse supplied a starting-point for the warnings against the Judaizers which have taken up the foregoing twelve verses, so this new summary furnishes the starting-point for exhortations designed to guard the evangelical doctrine against antinomian perversion, by insisting upon the moral behaviour required of those who enjoy the freedom which Christ gives. These exhortations occupy the remainder of this chapter and a part of the next. "Ye," being what ye are, believers baptized into Christ. The verb "were called" expresses a complete idea, meaning of itself without any adjunct, "called by God to be people of his own" (cf. "calleth," ver. 8, and the passages there cited). The words, "unto," or "for, freedom," supply an adjunct notion; as in <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4</a>, the clause, "in one hope of your calling," does to the same verb. So again <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a>," For God called us, not unto [or, 'for' ] uncleanness, but in sanctification.' 'The preposition ἐπί, both in the passage last cited and in the present verse, denotes the condition or understanding upon which God had called them: they were "called" upon the understanding that they should be in a state of liberty. So <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>, "Created in Christ Jesus unto ['Greek,' for] good works." God calls us in Christ to be free in these three respects: (1) free from condemnation and conscience of guiltiness; (2) free from pupil-age to a ceremonial institute of positive, carnal ordinances, and from bondage to a letter-Law; (3) free, as consciously his children, knit to him by his adopting Spirit, which makes us partakers of his nature. Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh (μόνον μὴ τὴν ἐλευθερίαν εἰς ἀφορμὴν τῆς σαρκός); only, no freedom which shall be an occasion to the flesh! or, only, make not your freedom into an occasion for the flesh. The noun ἐλευθερίαν, being in the accusative, cannot be taken as simply a resumption of the ἐλευθερίᾳ immediately before. In his eagerness to at once bar the antinomian's abuse of the gospel, the apostle omits the verb which should account for this accusative; and the result is a sentence which may be taken as grouping with various passages in classical Greek authors, being in fact quite a natural way of speaking in any language; such as in Demosthenes, ' Philippians,' 1. p. 45, "No ten thousand mercenaries for me! (μή μοι μυριόυς... ξένους);" Sophocles, ' Ant.,' 573, "No more loiterings! but... (μὴ τριβὰς ἔτ ἀλλά...); "Aristophanes, ' Ach.,' 326, "No false pretences for me, but... (μή μοι πρόφασιν ἀλλά...)." In such cases it simply weakens the vivacity of the style, if we supply any verb. The alternative rendering supplies δῶτε, which is in fact found in two uncial manuscripts, F, G, or ἀποχρήσησθε, proposed by OEcumenius. In the former way of construing we have in thought to supply a second τὴν after ἐλευθερίαν, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-18.htm">1 Corinthians 10:18</a>, Βλέπετε τὸν Ἰσραὴλ κατὰ σάρκα: <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">2 Corinthians 7:7</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-8.htm">Colossians 1:8</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15</a>. The preposition εἰς is need as <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Romans 11:9</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">1 Corinthians 14:22</a>, etc. The sense of the noun ἀφορμή, starting-point, is well illustrated by its use, in the military language of Greece, for a "basis of operations" (cf. <a href="/romans/7-8.htm">Romans 7:8, 11</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">2 Corinthians 5:12</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a>). Reflection at once shows us that a "freedom" which allows a man to obey the behests of his lower nature is only by a false use of the term capable of being grouped with that freedom wherewith Christ makes us free. It adopts out of the latter the single element of emancipation from ceremonial law and letter-Law, and lets go altogether the concomitant notions of spiritual emancipation which are of its very essence. Such an emancipation hands its victim clean over to the thraldom of sin (<a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34</a>; <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18, 19</a>). St. Peter, in his First Epistle, addressed to a large group of Churches founded by St. Paul, including those of Galatia, has a number of passages which apparently take up sentiments and even expressions found in St. Paul's writings (see <a href="/1_peter/5-12.htm">1 Peter 5:12</a>), as it were, ratifying them; and possibly he has an eye to the present verse when he writes (<a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a>), "as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bond-servants of God." "The flesh" is not to have its own way, but is to own the mastery of the Spirit. But by love serve one another (ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης δουλεύετε ἀλλήλοις); but through love be in bondage to one another; i.e. let love make you bondservants to one another. The verb δουλεύω also means "do acts of bond-service,' as <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Ephesians 6:7</a> and <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">1 Timothy 6:2</a>. This sense is included in the "being in bondage ' here spoken cf. In the present posture of affairs in these Churches, the apostle sees occasion for selecting just here one particular branch of Christian goodness to enforce upon their observance. Presently after (vers. 16-20 he enlarges the field of view; though even there still giving much prominence to the vices of malignity and to the benignant virtues. Just now he has his eye especially on the evils of contentiousness (ver. 15), and upon love as their corrective. We may suppose such evils were now especially rife amongst the Galatians, whose natural character, commonly described as quarrelsome, was apparently evincing itself in connection with the disputes which the teaching and yet more the outward action of the Judaizers were giving rise to. In fact, a loving temper of mind, along with other benefits, is recommended also by this, that it guards Churches from corrupting innovations in doctrine and Church practice; checking our self-will and our obtrusive vanity, it leads us to avoid giving uneasiness to others by thrusting upon them new notions or new modes of conduct, and makes it our ambition to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The pattern set by our Lord (<a href="/john/13-15.htm">John 13:15</a>), both in washing his disciples' feet and indeed in his whole incarnate life (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>), was grandly imitated by the apostle himself (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19-22</a>), who in outward things habitually sacrificed the pride of independence and self-assertion, and the pride of apparent self-consistency, in his devotion to the spiritual welfare of men. He here preaches just what he himself practised. <a href="/commentaries/galatians/5-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you, Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. were called ἐκλήθητε (eklēthēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. to ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. freedom; ἐλευθερίᾳ (eleutheria) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1657.htm">Strong's 1657: </a> Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom. but μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. [do] not [use] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. [your] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. freedom ἐλευθερίαν (eleutherian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1657.htm">Strong's 1657: </a> Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom. as εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. an opportunity ἀφορμὴν (aphormēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_874.htm">Strong's 874: </a> From a compound of apo and hormao; a starting-point, i.e. an opportunity. for the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. flesh. σαρκί (sarki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. Rather, ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. serve δουλεύετε (douleuete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1398.htm">Strong's 1398: </a> To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to. one another ἀλλήλοις (allēlois) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. in διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. love. ἀγάπης (agapēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 5:13 For you brothers were called for freedom (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/5-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 5:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 5:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>