Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Now {G1161} the works {G2041} of the flesh {G4561} are {G2076} manifest {G5318}, which {G3748} are {G2076} these; Adultery {G3430}, fornication {G4202}, uncleanness {G167}, lasciviousness {G766},

And it is perfectly evident what the old nature does. It expresses itself in sexual immorality, impurity and indecency;

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:19 (KJV)

This verse introduces a list of actions and behaviors that Paul identifies as the "works of the flesh." This list is contrasted sharply with the "fruit of the Spirit" that he describes later in the chapter (verses 22-23).

The term "flesh" (Greek: sarx) here doesn't just mean the physical body, but represents the sinful human nature apart from God, the part of us that is oriented away from the Spirit. The "works" are the actions that naturally flow from this nature.

These works are described as "manifest," meaning they are obvious, evident, and easily recognizable results of living according to sinful desires rather than being led by the Spirit.

The verse begins the list with sins primarily related to sexual immorality and impurity:

  • Adultery (Greek: moicheia): Sexual infidelity within the bounds of marriage.
  • Fornication (Greek: porneia): A broader term for sexual immorality outside of marriage, including premarital sex, prostitution, and other unlawful sexual acts.
  • Uncleanness (Greek: akatharsia): Moral impurity or defilement. It signifies a state of being morally unclean, often related to sexual sin but can include other forms of spiritual defilement.
  • Lasciviousness (Greek: aselgeia): Often translated as sensuality or debauchery. This implies a lack of moral restraint, a readiness for sensual pleasure, and often a public, shameless display of immoral behavior.

These first items highlight the pervasive nature of sexual sin as a primary manifestation of the fallen human nature.

Compare this list with the positive attributes listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:10

    Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Colossians 3:5

    ¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

  • Colossians 3:8

    ¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

  • Matthew 15:18

    But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

  • Matthew 15:19

    For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

  • 1 Peter 4:2

    That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
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