CINXE.COM

<!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 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/48_Gal_05_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Galatians 5:25 - Living by the Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/5-25.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/5-25.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 25</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="/ad1.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/5-24.htm" title="Galatians 5:24">◄</a> Galatians 5:25 <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm" title="Galatians 5:26">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </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 />Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/galatians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/galatians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If we live by <i>the</i> Spirit, we should also walk by <i>the</i> Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/galatians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/galatians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/galatians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/galatians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/galatians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/galatians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/galatians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/galatians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/galatians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/galatians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/galatians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/galatians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/galatians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/galatians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Since we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also be guided. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/galatians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/galatians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/galatians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/galatians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If we are living by the Spirit's power, let our conduct also be governed by the Spirit's power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/galatians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/galatians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if we may live in the Spirit, we may also walk in the Spirit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/galatians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If we live by <i>the</i> Spirit, we should also walk by <i>the</i> Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/galatians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if we may live in the Spirit, in the Spirit also we may walk;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/galatians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/galatians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/galatians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, we should also walk by the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/galatians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/galatians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/galatians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let us therefore live in the Spirit, and surrender to the Spirit.<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 />We shall live therefore in The Spirit and surrender to The Spirit,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/galatians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/galatians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/galatians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/galatians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if we live by the spirit, let us regulate our actions by the spirit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/galatians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If we are living by the Spirit's power, let our conduct also be governed by the Spirit's power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/galatians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/galatians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/galatians/5-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jv8Ri4CeT34?start=1175" 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">Living by the Spirit</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">Since</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōmen (V-PIA-1P) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">we live</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. "></a> <a href="/greek/4748.htm" title="4748: stoichōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety.">let us walk in step</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">with the Spirit.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">26</span>Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.…<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="/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a></span><br />You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-17.htm">John 14:17</a></span><br />the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a></span><br />As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-9</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6</a></span><br />Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a></span><br />Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Philippians 3:16</a></span><br />Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6</a></span><br />Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">1 John 3:24</a></span><br />Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a></span><br />And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.</p><p class="hdg">we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-63.htm">John 6:63</a></b></br> It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, <i>they</i> are spirit, and <i>they</i> are life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-2.htm">Romans 8:2,10</a></b></br> For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">1 Corinthians 15:45</a></b></br> And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam <i>was made</i> a quickening spirit.</p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a></b></br> <i>This</i> I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Romans 8:4,5</a></b></br> That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm">Governed</a> <a href="/galatians/5-18.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Live</a> <a href="/galatians/4-29.htm">Power</a> <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/mark/12-13.htm">Step</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Walk</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Governed</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-12.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Power</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-19.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/james/1-8.htm">Step</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Walk</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/galatians/5.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Since we live by the Spirit</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Greek word for "live" here is "ζάω" (zaō), which implies not just existence but a vibrant, active life. In the context of Galatians, Paul contrasts the life empowered by the Spirit with the life under the law. Historically, the early church grappled with the transition from the Old Covenant, centered on the law, to the New Covenant, characterized by grace and the Spirit. This phrase calls believers to recognize that their spiritual vitality and moral compass are derived from the Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers them to live a life pleasing to God.<p><b>let us walk in step with the Spirit</b><br />The Greek word for "walk" is "στοιχέω" (stoicheō), which means to proceed in a row, as the march of a soldier, or to walk in a line. This suggests a disciplined, orderly conduct that aligns with the Spirit's leading. In the historical context of the early church, this was a call to unity and consistency in the Christian community, as believers were to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. The phrase "in step with the Spirit" implies a continuous, active cooperation with the Spirit's guidance, akin to a dance where the believer follows the Spirit's lead. This is not a passive existence but an active, intentional pursuit of holiness and righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ. The imagery here is both inspirational and practical, urging believers to align their daily actions and decisions with the Spirit's direction, ensuring that their lives are a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/galatians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) <span class= "bld">If we live in the Spirit.</span>--It seems, on the whole, best to translate: <span class= "ital">If we live by the Spirit;</span> if we derive our life from the Spirit; if it is by the action of the Spirit that our moral activity as Christians is kept alive. At the same time, another way of taking the words is possible: <span class= "ital">If we live to the spirit,</span> following the analogy of <a href="/romans/14-8.htm" title="For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.">Romans 14:8</a> : "Whether we live, we live <span class= "ital">unto</span> the Lord," &c.<p><span class= "bld">Let us also walk in the Spirit</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> <span class= "ital">by the rule</span> of the Spirit, as the Spirit dictates (comp. <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm" title="This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.">Galatians 5:16</a>, and the Note). The life which the Spirit quickens needs human co-operation, an active effort on the part of the Christian, to realise it completely in practice. St. Paul first sets before his readers what food has done for them, and then uses this as an argument and stimulus to renewed efforts on their own part.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/galatians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If we live in the Spirit</span> (<span class="greek">εἰ ζῶμεν</span> <span class="greek">Πνεύματι</span>); <span class="accented">if we live by</span>, or <span class="accented">to</span>, <span class="accented">the Spirit.</span> Exact critics have commonly recognized the difficulty of precisely determining either the sense in which the dative case of <span class="greek">Πνεύματι</span>, is used, or the meaning of the verb "live." This verb is here distinguished from the verb of the next clause (<span class="greek">στοιχῶμεν</span>) in much the same way as it is distinguished from the verb "walk" (<span class="greek">περιπατεῖν</span>) in <a href="/colossians/3-7.htm">Colossians 3:7</a>, "In the which ye also walked aforetime when ye lived in these things." In both passages it denotes the moral sphere of existence in which it is our ruling choice to live. In <a href="/colossians/3-7.htm">Colossians 3:7</a> the apostle says that their chosen sphere of existence was once worldliness and vice; and, when it was so, then they had followed in detail those different forms of degrading sin which he has specified in ver. 5. The verb "live" is used in the same sense of the general setting of our moral habits viewed as a whole in <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Colossians 2:20</a>. "If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, Handle not, etc.?" So, likewise <a href="/romans/6-2.htm">Romans 6:2</a>, "We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?" also <a href="/romans/8-13.htm">Romans 8:13</a>, "If ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye make to die the deeds of the body, ye shall live;" in which last passage the changed sense of the verb in the second sentence is noticeable. In the passage before us, the "we" of the verb <span class="greek">ζῶμεν</span> are of course the same persons as are recited by the phrase, "they who are of the Christ," in ver. 21. These persons have fastened the flesh to the cross; by a final, professedly irrevocable resolve, they have renounced sin. The purpose that was the proper, necessary concomitant of this, was to make the domain of the Spirit thenceforward their sphere of existence; their life was now to be in the Spirit; as the apostle writes (<a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a>)," Ye are not in (<span class="greek">ἐν</span>) the flesh, but in (<span class="greek">ἐν</span>) the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you;" for in this last passage the phrase, "in the Spirit," is contrasted with "in the flesh," each denoting the sphere of moral habits; in which sense "the flesh" is often used, as well as at other times of the vitiated nature itself, the indulgence in which characterizes that sphere. So probably "according, to the Spirit of holiness, in contrast to according to the flesh," in <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3, 4</a>. Now, as in <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a> the apostle uses the word "Spirit" in two senses, first of the sphere of moral habits determined by the Spirit's influence, and then of the Holy Spirit itself, so he would appear to do here. In respect to the relation expressed by the dative case, although the <span class="greek">ἐν</span> of <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9</a> is here wanting, it admits of being taken of the sphere of being in which Christians as such live; for so we find the dative used in <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a>, "put to death (<span class="greek">σαρκί</span>) in the flesh, but quickened (<span class="greek">Πνεύματ</span>) in the Spirit," as also the dative <span class="greek">σαρκὶ</span> is constructed in <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1</a> of the same Epistle. The relation expressed by the case, however, may be that which it denotes in <a href="/romans/6-2.htm">Romans 6:2, 10</a>, "die (<span class="greek">ἁμαρτίᾳ</span>) unto sin;" ibid., 11, "dead unto sin, alive unto God;" <a href="/romans/14-6.htm">Romans 14:6</a>, "live unto the Lord, die unto the Lord;" <a href="/2_corinthians/5-15.htm">2 Corinthians 5:15</a>, "live unto him that died for them:" thus Bishop Lightfoot takes it. The "if" is logical rather than conditional; they who are Christ's have no life but in the Spirit, and are thus bound in the details of their conduct to act accordingly. <span class="cmt_word">Let us also walk in the Spirit</span> (<span class="greek">Πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν</span>); <span class="accented">by</span> (or, <span class="accented">unto</span>) <span class="accented">the Spirit let us also walk.</span> The dative is here most naturally understood of the rule according to which we should walk. If the relation intended by the dative in the preceding clause is expressed by "to," it might be most convenient to render it similarly here; but even so, it must mean with reference to the Spirit as our rule and guide. The verb <span class="greek">στοιχεῖν</span>, "to move iv a (<span class="greek">στοῖχος ι.ε.</span> ) line or row with others" (see Liddell and Scott), is no doubt chosen in place of <span class="greek">περιπατεῖν</span>, the more usual word for "walk," as denoting an orderly, well-regulated way of behaviour. This tinge of meaning is discernible in the other instances of its use in the New Testament, as <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Galatians 6:16</a>; <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Romans 4:12</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Philippians 3:16</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/galatians/5-25.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">Since</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">we live</span><br /><span class="grk">ζῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(zōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by [the] Spirit,</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεύματι</span> <span class="translit">(Pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">let us walk in step</span><br /><span class="grk">στοιχῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(stoichōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4748.htm">Strong's 4748: </a> </span><span class="str2">To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with [the] Spirit.</span><br /><span class="grk">Πνεύματι</span> <span class="translit">(Pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">NT Letters: Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit let's (Gal. Ga) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/5-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 5:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/galatians/5-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Galatians 5:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Galatians 5:26" /></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>