Galatians 5:17
What does Galatians 5:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:17 means
The flesh and the Spirit oppose each other. Their desires pull in contrary directions, producing an internal conflict that keeps believers from doing whatever they please. This conflict is not evidence of failure but of life: the Spirit is active, restraining sin and urging holiness. It explains the tension Christians feel—simultaneously tempted by old patterns and drawn toward new obedience. Recognizing this battle prevents despair and presumption. We cannot simply follow our impulses; we must discern and choose in step with the Spirit. The verse normalizes struggle while directing the believer to depend on the Spirit’s superior power.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; because these are opposite the one to the other; so that you may not do the things which you have a mind to do.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the flesh doth desire contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit contrary to the flesh, and these are opposed one to another, that the things that ye may will--these ye may not do;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit against the flesh: For these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these things are opposed one to the other, that ye should not do those things which ye desire;
Context
Verse 16 promised victory over fleshly desires by walking in the Spirit. Verse 17 acknowledges the reality of ongoing conflict, giving a realistic picture of sanctification. It sets up verse 18, which introduces the liberating truth that those led by the Spirit are not under the law’s condemnation. With this theological base, Paul will list the obvious works of the flesh (vv.19–21) and then the contrasting fruit of the Spirit (vv.22–23), helping readers diagnose their path.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:21
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law.
- Psalms 119:4
Thou hast commandedus thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
- Romans 8:13
for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
- Ecclesiastes 7:20
Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
- Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
- Psalms 119:176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.
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