Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

For {G1063} the flesh {G4561} lusteth {G1937} against {G2596} the Spirit {G4151}, and {G1161} the Spirit {G4151} against {G2596} the flesh {G4561}: and {G1161} these {G5023} are contrary {G480} the one to the other {G240}: so that {G2443} ye cannot {G3363} do {G4160} the things {G5023} that {G3739}{G302} ye would {G2309}.

For the old nature wants what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is contrary to the old nature. These oppose each other, so that you find yourselves unable to carry out your good intentions.

For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.

Context

Galatians 5:17 is a pivotal verse within Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia, where he passionately defends the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, in contrast to reliance on adherence to the Old Testament law. After addressing the dangers of legalism and emphasizing the freedom believers have in Christ, Paul transitions to discussing how this freedom is to be lived out. He warns against using liberty as an excuse for sin, instead urging believers to walk in the Spirit, which directly precedes this verse.

Key Themes

  • The Inherent Spiritual Conflict: This verse vividly describes an ongoing, internal battle within every believer. The "flesh" (Greek: sarx) refers not merely to the physical body, but to the unregenerate, sinful human nature – our old self, inherited from Adam, with its desires contrary to God's will. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers upon conversion, empowering them to live righteously.
  • Opposing Desires: Paul states that these two forces are "contrary the one to the other," meaning they are fundamentally opposed and constantly at war. The flesh "lusteth against" (epithumeo – desires strongly, often negatively) the Spirit, and vice-versa. This highlights that the Christian life is not passive but an active engagement against internal sin.
  • The Struggle of Will: The consequence of this conflict is profound: "so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." This doesn't imply an inability to choose good, but rather the constant tension and difficulty in consistently aligning one's actions with one's regenerated desires and the will of the Spirit, due to the persistent pull of the sinful nature. This echoes the experience of inner conflict described by Paul in Romans 7:19.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "flesh," sarx (σάρξ), in this context, extends beyond the physical body to signify the fallen, unredeemed aspect of humanity, prone to sin and rebellion against God. It is the seat of sinful desires. Conversely, "Spirit" (pneuma, πνεῦμα) here unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine presence and power given to believers. The term "lusteth against" (epithumeo, ἐπιθυμέω) conveys a strong, often negative, craving or longing, emphasizing the intense opposition between these two principles.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:17 offers profound insight into the reality of the Christian walk. It assures believers that the internal struggle with sin is normal and expected, not a sign of spiritual failure, but a testament to the presence of both the Holy Spirit and the lingering effects of the sinful nature. Victory in this battle is not achieved through self-effort or adherence to legalistic rules, but by continually choosing to yield to and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. This involves prayer, meditating on God's Word, and making conscious choices that align with spiritual desires rather than carnal impulses. Understanding this constant tension encourages reliance on God's grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for growth and sanctification.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:13

    For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

  • John 3:6

    That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

  • Romans 8:5

    For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

  • Romans 8:8

    So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

  • Matthew 26:41

    Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.

  • Psalms 119:20

    ¶ My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20

    For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

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