Galatians 5:16
What does Galatians 5:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:16 means
Paul gives the practical key: walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. “Walk” speaks of a steady, daily pattern of life directed and empowered by the Spirit. This is not self-improvement by grit; it is reliance on God’s indwelling presence. The flesh represents the old, self-ruled nature with its cravings. The promise is strong and hopeful: a Spirit-led life effectively resists those cravings. This is how Christian freedom avoids becoming indulgence. The Spirit does not merely inform; He transforms conduct, leading believers into holiness that law-keeping could never produce.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I say, Go on in the Spirit, and you will not come under the rule of the evil desires of the flesh.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I say then: Walk in the spirit: and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But I say, Walk in [the] Spirit, and ye shall no way fulfil flesh's lust.
Context
After urging love and warning against destruction (vv.13–15), Paul explains the means of holy living. Verse 16 introduces the Spirit as the decisive power against the flesh. Verse 17 will describe the inner conflict between flesh and Spirit, and verse 18 will add that those led by the Spirit are not under the law. This framework prepares for the two catalogs: the works of the flesh (vv.19–21) and the fruit of the Spirit (vv.22–23), showing concrete outcomes of each walk.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:14
as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:
- Romans 8:4
that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:
- Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
- Jude 1:19
These are they who make separations, sensual, having not the Spirit.
- 1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Galatians 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Galatians 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Drunkenness
Drunkenness in the Bible is consistently depicted as a vice that leads to spiritual and practical harm, urging believers toward self-control.
Topic
Bible Verses About Envy
Envy is a powerful emotion, often leading to discontent and harmful actions. The Bible warns against its dangers and encourages a godly perspective.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.