Galatians 5:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But if you are led by the Spirit, then you are not in subjection to the system that results from perverting the Torah into legalism.

Berean Standard Bible:

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

American Standard Version:

But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} if^{G1487} ye be led^{G71} of the Spirit^{G4151}, ye are^{G2075} not^{G3756} under^{G5259} the law^{G3551}.

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Commentary for Galatians 5:18

Galatians 5:18 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia, which were primarily composed of Gentile converts to Christianity. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian debate over the role of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the early Church grappled with the question of whether Gentile Christians were required to follow Jewish law, including circumcision and dietary restrictions, to be saved.

In Galatians 5:18, Paul addresses this controversy by contrasting two ways of living: one guided by the Spirit and the other under the law. The verse reads, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." This succinct statement encapsulates a central theme of Paul's theology: the belief that Christians are freed from the obligations of the Mosaic Law because they are now under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul argues that the Spirit leads believers to fulfill the law's true purpose—righteous living and love for others—without being bound by its ritual and ceremonial requirements.

The broader context of Galatians 5 emphasizes the freedom that comes with faith in Christ, which is not an invitation to moral laxity but rather an opportunity to live in accordance with the Spirit's guidance. This life in the Spirit is characterized by the "fruit of the Spirit," which Paul lists as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). By contrast, the life lived under the law is seen as one of constraint and bondage, unable to effect true righteousness and transformation in the believer.

In summary, Galatians 5:18 reflects the theological proposition that for Christians, the indwelling Holy Spirit replaces the Mosaic Law as the primary guide for holy living. This verse underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, where the internal transformation by the Spirit supplants external adherence to the law, leading to genuine Christian freedom and moral integrity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G1487
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰ
   Transliteration: ei
   Pronunciation: i
   Description: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μή(γε), εἰ καί, εἰ μή, εἰ μή τι, εἴ περ, εἴ πως, εἴ τις, ἐκ. See also ἐάν.
   
3. Strong's Number: G71
   There are 97 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄγω
   Transliteration: ágō
   Pronunciation: ag'-o
   Description: a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce:--be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4151
   There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πνεῦμα
   Transliteration: pneûma
   Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
   Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2075
   There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστέ
   Transliteration: esté
   Pronunciation: es-teh'
   Description: second person plural present indicative of εἰμί; ye are:--be, have been, belong.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5259
   There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑπό
   Transliteration: hypó
   Pronunciation: hoop-o'
   Description: a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3551
   There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: νόμος
   Transliteration: nómos
   Pronunciation: nom'-os
   Description: from a primary (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.