Galatians 5:23
What does Galatians 5:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:23 means
The list continues with meekness and self-control, traits that restrain pride and passion. “Against such there is no law” means these Spirit-produced qualities do not incur the law’s censure; indeed, they fulfill its righteous intent. Law can prohibit vice but cannot create virtue. The Spirit accomplishes what the law could not by shaping the heart. The inclusion of self-control shows Christian freedom is disciplined, not reckless; it is power under God’s governance. Meekness is strength tempered by humility. These virtues display Christlikeness and build communities of peace and mutual respect, aligning daily life with God’s will.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Gentle behaviour, control over desires: against such there is no law.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862meekness, temperance: against such there is no law;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890meekness, self-control: against such things there is no law.
Context
Verse 22 began the fruit list; verse 23 completes it and notes that the law stands against none of these virtues. This ties the Spirit’s work to the law’s fulfillment without returning to legalism. Next, verse 24 will describe the decisive break with the flesh that belongs to those of Christ Jesus, and verse 25 will call believers to walk in step with the Spirit whose life they share. The chapter will close in verse 26 with a communal warning against vanity and rivalry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:9
as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
- Titus 2:2
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
- Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
- Titus 1:8
but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;
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