Galatians 5:25
What does Galatians 5:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 5:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 5:25 means
If our life comes from the Spirit—He is the source of new birth and ongoing vitality—then our conduct should align with Him. “Walk” suggests ordered steps, deliberate patterns shaped by His lead. This is a call to consistency: live out what has been given. The verse moves from identity to practice, from gift to responsibility. It keeps dependence and obedience together: because the Spirit gives life, we can and must keep in step with Him. Such walking guards against both pride and despair, channeling freedom into a steady pursuit of Christlike character and service.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If we are living by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us be guided.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if we may live in the Spirit, in the Spirit also we may walk;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If we live by the Spirit, let us walk also by the Spirit.
Context
Building on the crucifixion of the flesh in verse 24, verse 25 urges a life congruent with the Spirit’s gift. The logic is tight: life from the Spirit leads to walking with the Spirit. The final verse (v.26) will ground this in community relations by warning against vanity, provocation, and envy—precisely the sorts of attitudes the fruit of the Spirit counters. Thus the chapter lands with practical relational wisdom fitting its themes of freedom and Spirit-led living.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 4:6
For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
- Romans 8:4
that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- Galatians 5:16
But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
- John 6:63
It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.
- 2 Corinthians 3:6
who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
- Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
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