Galatians 5:26

KJV

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us {G1096} not {G3361} be {G1096} desirous of vain glory {G2755}, provoking {G4292} one another {G240}, envying {G5354} one another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Berean Standard Bible

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.

American Standard Version

Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 5:26 serves as a crucial ethical exhortation within Paul's letter, urging believers to actively resist attitudes and behaviors that undermine Christian unity and spiritual maturity. Following his profound contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul specifically warns against the pitfalls of seeking empty praise ("vain glory"), inciting conflict ("provoking one another"), and harboring resentment ("envying one another"). This verse functions as a practical call to humility, mutual respect, and Spirit-led living, essential for fostering peace and genuine fellowship within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's extensive ethical section in [Galatians 5](/galatians/5 "Galatians 5 - Freedom in Christ and Life by the Spirit"), which began with a call to stand firm in Christian liberty and not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Liberty")). Paul then contrasts living "by the Spirit" with living "by the flesh," detailing the "works of the flesh" ([Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")) and the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Having established that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")), Galatians 5:26 acts as a direct, practical application of this spiritual reality, specifically addressing the interpersonal dynamics that can arise when fleshly desires for self-exaltation and competition are not subdued by the Spirit. It serves as a final, pointed warning against the very attitudes that would contradict the love, peace, and self-control characteristic of Spirit-led living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The churches in Galatia were facing significant internal challenges, primarily due to the influence of Judaizing teachers who insisted on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, thereby undermining the sufficiency of Christ's work. This theological dispute had practical implications, leading to division and strife within the community. Paul's warnings against "vain glory," "provoking," and "envying" directly address the competitive and self-righteous spirit that could arise from such theological disagreements or from a general human tendency towards self-promotion. In the Greco-Roman world, honor and shame were powerful social motivators, and individuals often sought to elevate their status through various means. Paul's exhortation challenges this prevalent cultural value, calling believers to a counter-cultural humility and mutual edification that prioritizes communal harmony over individual acclaim.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 5:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, demonstrating that freedom in Christ is not a license for fleshly indulgence but an invitation to live by the Spirit, which produces ethical conduct. Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **Community and Unity** within the church, showing how individual attitudes directly impact corporate health. The behaviors warned against—vain glory, provoking, and envying—are inherently divisive and destructive to fellowship, contrasting sharply with the unity Paul champions. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Spirit-Led Living**, illustrating that these negative behaviors are symptoms of walking according to the flesh, whereas a life truly guided by the Holy Spirit will naturally yield the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")), which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—qualities that directly counteract pride, contention, and jealousy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vain glory (Greek, _kenódoxos'_):** Derived from `kenós` (empty) and `dóxa` (glory, opinion), this term literally means "empty glory" or "empty opinion." According to G2755, it describes someone who is "vainly glorifying, i.e. self-conceited." It refers to a conceited desire for honor or praise that is hollow, without true substance, and driven by self-admiration rather than genuine merit or a desire to glorify God. It's about seeking one's own applause, which is ultimately fleeting and meaningless, rather than God's commendation.
* **provoking (Greek, _prokaléomai'_):** This word, G4292, is in the middle voice, meaning "to call forth to oneself (challenge), i.e. (by implication) to irritate." It suggests a competitive spirit, an act of challenging someone to a contest, or inciting them to anger or rivalry. It implies a deliberate act of stirring up contention or trying to outdo others, often with the intent to belittle or exasperate.
* **envying (Greek, _phthonéō'_):** From G5354, this verb means "to be jealous of." It denotes a malicious jealousy or resentment towards another's possessions, achievements, or blessings. This emotion begrudges another's good fortune and desires their downfall or loss, a destructive sentiment that undermines love and unity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us not be desirous of vain glory":** This imperative clause issues a strong prohibition against the pursuit of empty, self-serving praise or recognition. It calls believers to examine their motives, ensuring that their actions are not driven by a desire for human applause or personal aggrandizement, but by a genuine desire to honor God and serve others. It's a call to humility, recognizing that true worth and glory come from God alone.
* **"provoking one another":** This phrase warns against competitive and contentious behavior within the community. It condemns the act of inciting others to rivalry, anger, or dispute. Such behavior disrupts peace, fosters division, and is antithetical to the Spirit's work of unity and love among believers. It challenges individuals to build up rather than tear down, to cooperate rather than compete.
* **"envying one another":** This final prohibition addresses the destructive emotion of jealousy. It warns against harboring resentment or ill will towards another's blessings, successes, or gifts. Envy is a corrosive emotion that breeds bitterness, strife, and disunity, directly opposing the love and mutual affirmation that should characterize the body of Christ. It calls for rejoicing with those who rejoice and genuine appreciation for the diverse gifts within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **negative imperative** ("Let us not be...") followed by a list of three specific, interrelated behaviors, creating a powerful **admonition**. The structure is a form of **tricolon**, listing three distinct but thematically connected vices: "desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." This rhetorical device emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the warning against self-centered and divisive attitudes. The phrase "one another" (used twice) highlights the **relational** and **communal** impact of these behaviors, underscoring that these are not merely individual sins but sins that directly harm the fabric of the Christian community. The implied **contrast** throughout [Galatians 5](/galatians/5 "Galatians 5 - Freedom in Christ and Life by the Spirit") between the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit" provides the broader literary framework, positioning these specific vices as manifestations of the flesh and their absence as evidence of Spirit-led living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 5:26 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's call to humility and community. It underscores the truth that genuine spiritual growth is marked not by outward display or competitive achievement, but by an inner transformation that produces Christ-like character and fosters harmonious relationships. The pursuit of "vain glory" directly opposes the biblical principle that all glory belongs to God alone, while "provoking" and "envying" are antithetical to the agape love that is the hallmark of Christian discipleship. These vices are deeply rooted in self-centeredness, which the Spirit actively works to eradicate, replacing it with self-control, patience, and kindness. This verse thus serves as a vital reminder that our spiritual walk is not merely individualistic but has profound implications for the health and witness of the entire body of Christ.

* [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility and Esteeming Others")
* [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is Not Envious")
* [Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Romans 13:13 - Walk Honestly, Not in Strife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 5:26 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to honestly assess the motives behind their actions and interactions. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and competition, this verse calls us to a counter-cultural humility and a profound commitment to communal well-being. To truly live out this command, we must cultivate a spirit of genuine contentment and gratitude, recognizing that all our gifts and achievements are from God. This means actively resisting the urge to compare ourselves to others, to seek recognition for our good deeds, or to feel resentment when others succeed. Instead, we are called to celebrate the strengths and successes of our brothers and sisters, to encourage and affirm them, and to resolve conflicts with grace and understanding. Living free from vain glory, provocation, and envy is not merely about avoiding negative behaviors; it's about actively pursuing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and self-control—which naturally produces an atmosphere of unity and mutual edification within the church and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly seeking "vain glory" rather than God's commendation?**
* **How might I be unintentionally "provoking" others through my words, actions, or competitive spirit?**
* **What specific situations or people tend to trigger feelings of "envy" in me, and how can I intentionally counter those feelings with gratitude and affirmation?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate greater humility and promote unity within my community or church?**

### FAQ
**What is "vain glory" and why is it so dangerous?**

Answer: "Vain glory" (Greek: `kenódoxos`) literally means "empty glory" or "empty opinion." It refers to a conceited desire for honor or praise that is hollow, without true substance, and driven by self-admiration rather than genuine merit or a desire to glorify God. It's dangerous because it shifts our focus from God to ourselves, fostering pride and self-exaltation, which are antithetical to the humility exemplified by Christ ([Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility")). It can lead to superficiality, competition, and a lack of authentic spiritual growth, as our actions become motivated by human applause rather than divine approval.

**How do "provoking" and "envying" undermine Christian unity?**

Answer: Both "provoking" and "envying" are deeply destructive to Christian unity because they are rooted in self-centeredness and hostility. "Provoking" (Greek: `prokaléomai`) involves inciting others to rivalry, anger, or dispute, creating an atmosphere of contention and division. It turns fellowship into competition. "Envying" (Greek: `phthonéō`) is a malicious jealousy that begrudges another's blessings or achievements, leading to resentment and a desire for their downfall. These behaviors directly oppose the love, peace, and patience that are part of the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and tear down the bonds of fellowship, preventing the church from functioning as a harmonious body of believers.

**How does Galatians 5:26 relate to the "fruit of the Spirit"?**

Answer: Galatians 5:26 serves as a negative counterpart to the "fruit of the Spirit" described just a few verses earlier in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). While "vain glory," "provoking," and "envying" are manifestations of the flesh, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the positive virtues that naturally counteract these destructive attitudes. Living by the Spirit (as urged in [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")) means crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")), thereby allowing the Spirit to produce within us the character of Christ, which is inherently humble, unifying, and selfless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 5:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike humanity's tendency towards "vain glory," Christ consistently refused to seek His own praise or honor, declaring, "[I seek not mine own glory](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks God's Glory")" and always giving glory to the Father ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). His life was one of profound humility, culminating in His willingness to empty Himself, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ")). He never provoked or incited others to rivalry but instead taught peace and reconciliation, even commanding His followers to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). Furthermore, Christ, being perfectly good and righteous, never harbored envy; instead, He rejoiced with those who rejoiced and bore the burdens of others, ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Therefore, for believers, living free from vain glory, provocation, and envy is not merely an ethical injunction but a call to conform to the very character of Christ, who perfectly embodied selflessness, humility, and unifying love. As we are "in Christ," we are empowered by His Spirit to put off these fleshly desires and to live out His example in our relationships.

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

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

James 4:16

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Luke 14:10

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.