Galatians 5:23

KJV

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

KJV (with Strong's)

Meekness {G4236}, temperance {G1466}: against {G2596} such {G5108} there is {G2076} no {G3756} law {G3551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.

Berean Standard Bible

gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

American Standard Version

meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 5:23 culminates the apostle Paul's profound exposition on the "fruit of the Spirit," presenting the final two virtues—meekness and temperance—followed by the definitive declaration that "against such there is no law." This verse serves as a powerful summary of the Spirit-led life, contrasting sharply with the "works of the flesh" and underscoring that genuine righteousness flows from an internal transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit, rather than external legalistic adherence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 5:23 concludes a pivotal section in Paul's letter, immediately following the enumeration of the other seven manifestations of the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). This list is presented as a direct antithesis to the [works of the flesh](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - The Works of the Flesh"), which Paul detailed in the preceding verses. The entire chapter is framed by Paul's exhortation to [walk by the Spirit](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walking by the Spirit") and not gratify the desires of the flesh, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual conflict within believers. The declaration "against such there is no law" serves as a powerful capstone, asserting the inherent righteousness and freedom found in a Spirit-empowered life, transcending the limitations and condemnations of the Mosaic Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia, a region in Asia Minor, primarily to counter the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile Christians must observe the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. This legalistic teaching directly threatened the core of the gospel—salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. The Galatian believers were being tempted to revert to a system of works, jeopardizing their freedom in Christ. Paul's emphasis on the Spirit-produced fruit, rather than adherence to external regulations, directly addresses this theological crisis, demonstrating that true righteousness is an internal transformation, not an external performance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. It reinforces the theme of **Freedom in Christ**, arguing that believers are liberated from the curse and bondage of the Law, not to indulge the flesh, but to live by the Spirit ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). It highlights the **Supremacy of the Spirit**, asserting that the Holy Spirit is the active agent in producing Christ-like character, a stark contrast to human effort or legalistic striving. Furthermore, it underscores the **Nature of True Righteousness**, revealing that genuine righteousness is not merely the absence of sin but the positive manifestation of divine virtues, which naturally fulfill the Law's intent without being under its condemnation ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Fulfilling the Law's Righteous Requirement")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meekness (Greek, _praiótēs'_):** From G4236, this term signifies gentleness, humility, and strength under control, rather than weakness or timidity. It describes a disposition that is teachable, patient in suffering, and gentle in correction, particularly towards those who are erring or antagonistic. It is the opposite of self-assertiveness or arrogance and implies a humble reliance on God.
* **Temperance (Greek, _enkráteia'_):** From G1466, this word denotes self-control, particularly over one's desires, passions, and impulses. It speaks to a disciplined life where the believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, exercises mastery over their own appetites and reactions, aligning them with God's will. This virtue is crucial for resisting temptation and living a life of moral purity and spiritual discipline.
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From G3551, _nómos_ refers to a prescriptive usage or regulation, often specifically the Mosaic Law. In this context, it represents the divine standard of righteousness that exposes sin and brings condemnation. Paul's declaration that "against such there is no law" means that the qualities of meekness and temperance, as products of the Spirit, inherently align with and transcend the Law's righteous demands, rendering its condemnatory power irrelevant to those who embody these virtues.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Meekness, temperance:"** These two virtues conclude Paul's nine-fold enumeration of the "fruit of the Spirit," presented as the final manifestations of a life truly led by the Holy Spirit. "Meekness" (praiótēs) signifies a gentle, humble, and submissive spirit, particularly in dealing with others, born from a deep trust in God's sovereignty. "Temperance" (enkráteia) refers to self-control, the ability to master one's desires and passions, reflecting a disciplined life empowered by the Spirit, rather than being enslaved by carnal appetites. Together, they complete the picture of a balanced, Christ-like character.
* **"against such there is no law."** This profound declaration asserts that the virtues produced by the Holy Spirit are inherently good and do not violate any divine or human law. The Law's purpose is to expose sin and condemn wrongdoing; however, meekness and temperance, along with the other fruits, are expressions of righteousness that fulfill the Law's true intent. A life characterized by these Spirit-given qualities transcends the need for external regulation because it is guided by an internal, divine principle, making the Law's condemnation irrelevant to those who walk in the Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Antithesis** throughout Galatians 5, starkly contrasting the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit." This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between human fallen nature and divine transformation. The enumeration of virtues in a **List** (the nine fruits) provides a clear and comprehensive description of Christ-like character. The concluding phrase, "**against such there is no law**," functions as a powerful **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Statement**, succinctly encapsulating a profound theological truth about the relationship between the Spirit, the Law, and Christian living. It also contains elements of **Understatement** or **Litotes** (a form of ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary), as saying "there is no law against" implies that these virtues are not just permissible, but supremely desirable and beneficial, fulfilling the very essence of God's righteous demands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 5:23 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of sanctification and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It underscores that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin or adhering to external regulations, but about the positive cultivation of virtues that reflect the very character of God. The "fruit of the Spirit" represents the organic outgrowth of a life surrendered to divine influence, demonstrating that the gospel's power extends beyond justification to the radical re-shaping of human character. This transformation liberates believers from the bondage of legalism, empowering them to live a life that naturally aligns with God's will, fulfilling the spirit of the Law through love and self-control, rather than its letter through obligation.

* [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in the Spirit")
* [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Whatever is True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable")
* [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - Supplementing Your Faith with Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 5:23 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for every believer. It reminds us that the Christian life is not merely about what we avoid, but fundamentally about what we become through the power of the Holy Spirit. Meekness calls us to humble strength, enabling us to respond to provocation with grace and to submit to God's will with trust, rather than reacting in pride or anger. Temperance, or self-control, empowers us to master our desires, ensuring that our appetites and impulses serve God's purposes rather than enslaving us. These virtues are not innate human qualities but supernatural gifts, cultivated as we consistently yield to the Spirit's leading. Embracing these fruits means actively pursuing a life of surrender, prayer, and intentional obedience, allowing Christ's character to be increasingly formed within us, thereby demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most struggle to exhibit meekness or temperance?**
* **How does understanding these virtues as "fruit of the Spirit" change your approach to spiritual growth?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally cultivate meekness and temperance through reliance on the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "against such there is no law" in Galatians 5:23?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it highlights the freedom and inherent righteousness of a Spirit-led life. Paul's argument throughout Galatians is that believers are no longer under the condemnation of the Mosaic Law for salvation. The Law's purpose was to reveal sin and condemn it ([Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")). However, when one's life is characterized by the "fruit of the Spirit"—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control—these qualities are inherently good and align with God's will. There is no law that prohibits or condemns these virtues; in fact, they fulfill the very essence of the Law's righteous demands ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Fulfilling the Law's Righteous Requirement")). Thus, the phrase signifies that those who walk in the Spirit transcend the need for external legalistic enforcement because their internal disposition naturally produces a life pleasing to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 5:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is the quintessential example of meekness, describing Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). His meekness was not weakness, but strength under divine control, evident in His patient endurance of suffering ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted, Yet He Did Not Open His Mouth")) and His humble submission to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Humility and Obedience")). Similarly, Jesus perfectly displayed temperance or self-control, resisting every temptation of the devil in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) and consistently aligning His desires with God's perfect plan. The declaration "against such there is no law" is supremely true of Christ, for He lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the Law's righteous requirements not by external obligation, but by His very nature. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")), enabling them to bear this divine fruit and live a life that reflects His character, demonstrating the power of His redemption and the reality of His reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

Acts 24:25

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Titus 1:8

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

1 Corinthians 9:25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.