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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 5:15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/48_Gal_05_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 5:15 - Freedom in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another." /><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/5-15.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/5-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/5-14.htm" title="Galatians 5:14">◄</a> Galatians 5:15 <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm" title="Galatians 5:16">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/galatians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/galatians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/galatians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take heed, lest you might be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/galatians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/galatians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/galatians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/galatians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/galatians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/galatians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/galatians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/galatians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/galatians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if you keep attacking each other like wild animals, you had better watch out or you will destroy yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/galatians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/galatians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don't destroy each other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/galatians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/galatians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you are not destroyed by each other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/galatians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/galatians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/galatians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you do not consume one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/galatians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one by another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/galatians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/galatians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and if you bite and devour one another, see that you may not be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take heed, lest you might be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/galatians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and if one another ye do bite and devour, see -- that ye may not by one another be consumed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/galatians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if ye bite and devour one another, see ye that ye be not laid waste by one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/galatians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another; take heed you be not consumed one of another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/galatians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you are not consumed by one another!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/galatians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/galatians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/galatians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if you harm and plunder one another, take heed lest you be consumed one by another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/galatians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/galatians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take heed lest you be utterly destroyed by one another.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/galatians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you may not be consumed one of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/galatians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed by one another.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/galatians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but if you bite and tear one another, take heed that you be not consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/galatians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But, if ye bite and devour one another, beware, lest ye be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/galatians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not destroyed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/galatians/5-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=1092" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Freedom in Christ</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/1143.htm" title="1143: daknete (V-PIA-2P) -- To bite; hence: I backbite, harm seriously. A prolonged form of a primary root; to bite, i.e. thwart.">you keep on biting</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2719.htm" title="2719: katesthiete (V-PIA-2P) -- To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.">devouring</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another,</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">watch out,</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.">or</a> <a href="/greek/355.htm" title="355: analōthēte (V-ASP-2P) -- From ana and a form of the alternate of haireomai; properly, to use up, i.e. Destroy.">you will be consumed</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hyp’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlōn (RecPro-GMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">16</span>So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-2</a></span><br />What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? / You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a></span><br />for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13-14</a></span><br />Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. / Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a></span><br />Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a></span><br />to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a></span><br />To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Proverbs 26:21</a></span><br />Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a></span><br />So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Galatians 5:26</a></b></br> Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">2 Samuel 2:26,27</a></b></br> Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-20.htm">Isaiah 9:20,21</a></b></br> And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/acts/28-3.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-4.htm">Biting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/john/2-17.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Devouring</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/luke/18-5.htm">Perpetually</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-51.htm">Biting</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-8.htm">Care</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/revelation/18-8.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Devouring</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm">Perpetually</a> <a href="/psalms/59-6.htm">Snarling</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Galatians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">He wills them to stand in their liberty,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">and not to observe circumcision;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">but rather love, which is the sum of the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">He lists the works of the flesh,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">and the fruits of the Spirit,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">and exhorts to walk in the Spirit.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>But if you keep on biting and devouring one another</b><br>This phrase uses vivid imagery to describe destructive behavior within the Christian community. The terms "biting" and "devouring" suggest hostility and conflict, akin to wild animals attacking each other. This reflects the internal strife and division that can occur when believers act out of selfishness or pride. In the context of Galatians, Paul addresses the tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians regarding the observance of the Law. The metaphor warns against the dangers of legalism and the resulting discord. This imagery is reminiscent of the destructive nature of sin as seen in <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a>, where envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder.<p><b>watch out</b><br>This serves as a cautionary note, urging believers to be vigilant about their actions and attitudes. The Greek term used here implies a need for careful observation and awareness. In the broader biblical context, vigilance is a recurring theme, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where believers are warned to be sober-minded and watchful against the adversary. The call to "watch out" emphasizes the responsibility of each believer to maintain unity and peace within the body of Christ.<p><b>or you will be consumed by one another</b><br>The consequence of continued conflict is mutual destruction. The term "consumed" indicates a complete and utter ruin, highlighting the severity of unchecked discord. This serves as a stark warning that internal strife can lead to the downfall of the community. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges, both external and internal, and Paul's letters often address the need for unity and love among believers. This warning echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Mark 3:24-25</a>, where a divided house cannot stand. The emphasis is on the importance of love and unity, as further elaborated in <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a>, where the law is fulfilled in loving one's neighbor as oneself.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in the region of Galatia. Paul is concerned with the behavior and spiritual health of the believers there.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/galatian_churches.htm">Galatian Churches</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, located in the region of Galatia. These churches were dealing with internal conflicts and divisions, partly due to false teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a></b><br>A group influencing the Galatian churches, advocating for adherence to Jewish law, which was causing division and strife among the believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_against_division.htm">Guard Against Division</a></b><br>The imagery of "biting and devouring" suggests a destructive cycle of conflict. Believers must be vigilant against behaviors and attitudes that lead to division within the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursue_unity_and_peace.htm">Pursue Unity and Peace</a></b><br>In contrast to destructive behavior, Christians are called to pursue peace and unity, reflecting the love of Christ in their interactions with one another.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_unchecked_conflict.htm">The Danger of Unchecked Conflict</a></b><br>Paul warns that unchecked conflict can lead to mutual destruction. It is crucial for believers to address issues promptly and biblically to prevent escalation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5</a> emphasizes living by the Spirit. Believers should rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which counters the fleshly tendencies to "bite and devour."<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflect_christ's_love.htm">Reflect Christ's Love</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, believers are called to reflect His love and grace in their relationships, avoiding behaviors that harm the body of Christ.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another</span> (<span class="greek">εἰ δὲ ἀλλήλους δάκνετε καὶ κατεσθίετε βλέπετε μὴ ὑπὸ ἀλλήλων ἀναλωθῆτε</span>); <span class="accented">but if ye be biting and eating up one another</span>, <span class="accented">take heed that ye be not one of another utterly destroyed.</span> "Biting" and "eating up" are images drawn from carnivorous animals furiously fighting with each other. The verb <span class="greek">κατεσθίεν</span>, eat up, which in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">2 Corinthians 11:20</a> and <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a> is applied to the eating up of a neighbour's goods, is here employed in its more literal sense, in order to furnish a figure describing that intense desire to vex and damage an antagonist, which but too often disgraces the so-called religious controversialist or partisan. The verb <span class="greek">ἀναλίσκω</span>, utterly destroy, occurs besides only in <a href="/luke/9-54.htm">Luke 9:54</a> and <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:8</a>, of destruction by fire or lightning; so the compound <span class="greek">κατανάλισκον</span>, <a href="/hebrews/12-29.htm">Hebrews 12:29</a>. It points to another sphere of hurt than that referred to in the two foregoing verbs; for while these latter describe the eager endeavour to sting and "run down" a theological opponent, the former describes the utter laying waste of the inward life of piety. The orthodox opinion may survive, and perhaps be even made clearer and more accurate; but the kernel of filial love and joy in God, and of love towards our brethren, may by the <span class="greek">φιλονεικία</span>, the bitter antagonism, of controversy have got to be altogether eaten out. A Christian disciple who has ceased to love, Christ teaches us, is salt which has lost its savour - utterly refuse and hopeless of recovery (<a href="/mark/9-50.htm">Mark 9:50</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/galatians/5-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you keep on biting</span><br /><span class="grk">δάκνετε</span> <span class="translit">(daknete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1143.htm">Strong's 1143: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bite; hence: I backbite, harm seriously. A prolonged form of a primary root; to bite, i.e. thwart.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">devouring</span><br /><span class="grk">κατεσθίετε</span> <span class="translit">(katesthiete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each other,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλους</span> <span class="translit">(allēlous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">watch out,</span><br /><span class="grk">βλέπετε</span> <span class="translit">(blepete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> </span><span class="str2">(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[or]</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will be consumed</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀναλωθῆτε</span> <span class="translit">(analōthēte)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_355.htm">Strong's 355: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ana and a form of the alternate of haireomai; properly, to use up, i.e. Destroy.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπ’</span> <span class="translit">(hyp’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each other.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλων</span> <span class="translit">(allēlōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 5:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 5:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:16" /></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>