Galatians 5:26

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

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

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

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

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

Galatians 5:26 serves as a potent warning against attitudes that undermine Christian unity and spiritual growth. Following Paul's comprehensive discussion on walking in the Spirit versus walking in the flesh, this verse highlights specific behaviors that are contrary to a Spirit-led life: seeking "vain glory," "provoking one another," and "envying one another." It's a direct call to humility and mutual respect within the community of believers.

Context

This verse concludes Paul's profound discourse in Galatians 5, where he contrasts the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21) with the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). Having urged believers to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and to be "led by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:18), Paul's final admonition addresses the interpersonal conflicts that arise when individuals prioritize self-exaltation over humble service and love. The Galatian churches were grappling with legalism and internal strife, and this verse directly confronts the pride and competitive spirit that can infect any community, even among those professing faith.

Key Themes

  • Humility vs. Self-Exaltation: The primary warning is against "vain glory," which is a desire for empty, self-serving praise. This contrasts sharply with the humility and selfless attitude exemplified by Christ.
  • Community Harmony: "Provoking" and "envying" are destructive forces that shatter peace and foster division within the church. The verse emphasizes the importance of attitudes that build up, rather than tear down, communal bonds.
  • Spirit-Led Living: These negative behaviors are symptoms of living according to the flesh, not the Spirit. A life truly guided by the Holy Spirit will produce love, joy, peace, and self-control, which naturally counteract pride, contention, and jealousy.
  • Avoiding Strife: Paul urges believers to actively resist the impulses that lead to conflict and competition, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and support.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "vain glory" translates the Greek word kenodoxos (κενόδοξος), which literally means "empty glory" or "empty opinion." It refers to a conceited desire for honor or praise that is hollow and without true substance, driven by self-admiration rather than genuine merit or a desire to glorify God. It's about seeking one's own applause instead of God's commendation. "Provoking" comes from prokaloumenoi (προκαλούμενοι), meaning to challenge, incite, or call forth to a contest. This implies a competitive spirit, trying to outdo or irritate others. "Envying" is from phthonountes (φθονοῦντες), denoting malicious jealousy or resentment towards another's possessions, achievements, or blessings. This emotion begrudges another's good fortune and desires their downfall or loss.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:26 remains incredibly relevant for believers today. It calls for deep introspection into our motives: are we seeking to glorify God and serve others, or are we secretly desiring personal recognition and praise? This verse challenges us to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Actively pursue a humble spirit, recognizing that all good gifts come from God and that true honor comes from Him, not from human applause. Philippians 2:3 encourages us to "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
  • Promote Unity: Consciously avoid behaviors that stir up contention or jealousy. Instead, focus on encouraging, affirming, and celebrating the successes of others, fostering an environment of love and mutual respect, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
  • Live by the Spirit: Recognize that "vain glory," "provoking," and "envying" are signs that we are not fully yielding to the Holy Spirit. By continually submitting to the Spirit's leading, we can overcome these fleshly desires and walk in the fruit of righteousness, which brings peace and harmony to our relationships.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine spiritual maturity is characterized not by outward achievements or recognition, but by the inner transformation that produces Christ-like humility and love within the community.

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.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back