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Galatians 5:20

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Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Idolatry {G1495}, witchcraft {G5331}, hatred {G2189}, variance {G2054}, emulations {G2205}, wrath {G2372}, strife {G2052}, seditions {G1370}, heresies {G139},

involvement with the occult and with drugs; in feuding, fighting, becoming jealous and getting angry; in selfish ambition, factionalism, intrigue

idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,

Commentary

Galatians 5:20 is part of a crucial passage in Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit." This verse specifically lists several destructive behaviors and attitudes that stem from our fallen human nature, serving as a warning against actions that are contrary to a life led by God's Holy Spirit.

Context

In Galatians, Paul is defending the gospel of grace against those who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Chapter 5 shifts from theological arguments to practical Christian living, urging believers to walk in the Spirit rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Verses 19-21 delineate a comprehensive list of these "works of the flesh," which are indicative of a life apart from Christ, while the subsequent verses (22-23) present the contrasting virtues of the fruit of the Spirit. This particular verse, Galatians 5:20, continues the enumeration of vices that lead to spiritual decay and division within communities.

Key Themes and Messages

This verse highlights a cluster of sins that are particularly damaging to spiritual well-being and communal harmony:

  • Idolatry: The worship of anything other than the one true God. This extends beyond physical idols to include anything that takes ultimate priority in one's life, such as money, power, self, or possessions.
  • Witchcraft: The Greek word here is pharmakeia, from which we get "pharmacy." It refers to sorcery, the use of drugs or potions, often in connection with occult practices, magic, and superstitious rituals. It encompasses attempts to manipulate spiritual forces or gain knowledge apart from God.
  • Hatred: Deep-seated enmity and animosity towards others, the opposite of love and reconciliation.
  • Variance: (Greek: eris) Implies constant quarreling, contention, or discord, a spirit of disputing and strife.
  • Emulations: (Greek: zelos) Signifies jealousy, envy, or rivalry, a bitter competitive spirit that resents another's success or possessions.
  • Wrath: (Greek: thymos) Refers to outbursts of anger, violent passion, or uncontrolled rage.
  • Strife: (Greek: eritheia) Denotes selfish ambition, factionalism, or partisanship, seeking one's own interests, often through improper means.
  • Seditions: (Greek: dichostasia) Literally "standing apart," refers to divisions, dissensions, or creating factions within a group or church.
  • Heresies: (Greek: hairesis) Means "chosen opinions" or "sects." In this context, it refers to divisive doctrines or forming exclusive, dissenting parties based on false teachings, leading to schisms.

These actions reveal a heart not surrendered to God, demonstrating a rejection of the peace and unity that the Spirit brings. They are behaviors that clearly separate individuals from God's intended path for humanity, as Paul warns in the following verse that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Linguistic Insights

The term for "witchcraft," pharmakeia, is particularly noteworthy. While it can refer to the use of drugs, its primary connotation in ancient contexts was the magical use of drugs, potions, and spells, often with spiritualistic or occult intentions. This highlights the ancient world's engagement with sorcery and the biblical rejection of such practices. Similarly, "heresies" (hairesis) originally meant a choice or a school of thought, but in the New Testament, it evolved to describe divisive factions or doctrines that threaten the unity and truth of the Christian community.

Practical Application

For believers today, Galatians 5:20 serves as a powerful call to self-examination. While some of these "works of the flesh" (like overt idolatry or witchcraft) might seem less common in modern society, their underlying principles persist. Idolatry can manifest as an unhealthy obsession with success, material possessions, or even self-worship. The divisive nature of hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies continues to plague relationships, churches, and communities. Recognizing these tendencies within ourselves and actively choosing to walk by the Spirit, cultivating the opposing virtues of love, joy, peace, and patience, is essential for spiritual growth and living a life that honors God. This verse reminds us of the constant spiritual battle and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Revelation 21:8 (8 votes)

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19 (8 votes)

    For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

  • Titus 3:10 (7 votes)

    A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:19 (6 votes)

    For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye [yourselves] are wise.

  • Acts 8:9 (5 votes)

    But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

  • Acts 8:11 (5 votes)

    And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

  • 1 Chronicles 10:13 (4 votes)

    So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];