Galatians 5:5

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

For {G1063} we {G2249} through the Spirit {G4151} wait for {G553} the hope {G1680} of righteousness {G1343} by {G1537} faith {G4102}.

For it is by the power of the Spirit, who works in us because we trust and are faithful, that we confidently expect our hope of attaining righteousness to be fulfilled.

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness.

For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.

Commentary

Galatians 5:5 is a concise yet profound statement encapsulating the core message of Paul's letter to the Galatians: the nature of Christian salvation and the believer's walk.

Context

This verse is situated within a critical section of Galatians where Paul passionately defends the doctrine of justification by faith, directly countering the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul argues vehemently that salvation is not by works of the Law but by grace through faith in Christ. He asserts the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ, contrasting it with the bondage of legalism (Galatians 5:1).

Key Themes

  • Righteousness by Faith: The central pillar of Paul's theology in Galatians. The phrase "righteousness by faith" underscores that our standing before God is not earned through human effort or adherence to religious rules but is a gracious gift received through trust in Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that God imputes, not one we achieve. This concept is fundamental to the doctrine of justification, declaring a sinner righteous in God's sight.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: "We through the Spirit" highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. The Spirit is not merely an optional extra but the very means by which believers apprehend, live out, and anticipate the full realization of their salvation. The Spirit empowers believers to live in this new reality of grace and enables them to truly walk in the Spirit, freeing them from the dominion of the flesh and the Law.
  • Christian Hope: The "hope of righteousness" refers not to a wishful thinking but to a confident, assured expectation of the full and final manifestation of God's righteousness in the believer's life and in the new creation. It speaks to the future glorification and vindication of believers, where their justified status will be perfectly realized. This hope is a patient anticipation, as described in Romans 8:24-25, knowing that what is not yet fully seen will surely come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "hope of righteousness" is elpida dikaiosynēs (ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης). The genitive case here ("of righteousness") can be interpreted as either objective (hope for righteousness) or subjective (hope that consists of righteousness). Given Paul's emphasis throughout Galatians, it is best understood as the latter: the hope which is righteousness, or the hope that brings about full righteousness. It points to the eschatological culmination of God's saving work, where believers will fully experience the righteous state given to them by faith.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:5 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation and future hope are entirely dependent on God's grace and our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, not on our ability to perfectly keep rules or perform religious rituals. This truth liberates us from the burden of legalism and self-effort, allowing us to live with assurance and joy. It calls us to live by the Spirit, patiently awaiting the full realization of God's promises, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. Our focus should be on trusting God's work in us, not on our own performance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 130:5

    ¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:10

    And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

  • Psalms 62:5

    My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.

  • Romans 8:23

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

  • Romans 8:25

    But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

  • 2 Timothy 4:8

    Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

  • Philippians 3:9

    ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
← Back