Galatians 5:24
What does Galatians 5:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:24 means
Belonging to Christ Jesus means a decisive break with the old life: the flesh with its passions and lusts has been crucified. This points to union with Christ in His cross—His death becomes the believer’s death to sin’s reign. While the daily struggle continues, the ruling power of the flesh has been judged and sentenced. Christians therefore refuse to feed those passions; they consider them condemned and act accordingly. This is not self-crucifixion accomplished by willpower, but the outworking of what God has done in Christ. The cross is both the ground of our acceptance and the execution site of our old master.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And those who are Christ's have put to death on the cross the flesh with its passions and its evil desires.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and those who are Christ's, the flesh did crucify with the affections, and the desires;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But they that [are] of the Christ have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts.
Context
After describing the Spirit’s fruit and its harmony with the law (vv.22–23), Paul explains why such fruit is possible: those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. This theological anchor supports the practical exhortation in verse 25 to walk by the Spirit consistently with the life He gives. The closing verse (v.26) will specify relational dangers to avoid, showing what Spirit-led humility looks like in community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
- Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,
- 1 Corinthians 3:23
and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
- 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.
- Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
- 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.