Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐπ'
unto
G1909
ἐπ'
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
4 of 20
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
ἐκλήθητε
have been called
G2564
ἐκλήθητε
have been called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
5 of 20
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ἀδελφοί·
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί·
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
use not
G3361
μὴ
use not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερίαν
liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
10 of 20
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀφορμὴν
an occasion
G874
ἀφορμὴν
an occasion
Strong's:
G874
Word #:
12 of 20
a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκί
to the flesh
G4561
σαρκί
to the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
14 of 20
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπης
love
G26
ἀγάπης
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
18 of 20
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Cross References
1 Peter 2:16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.1 Corinthians 9:19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.1 Corinthians 8:9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.Galatians 5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.2 Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Historical Context
Paul consistently addresses potential antinomian abuse of grace (Romans 6:1-2, 15). Freedom from law doesn't mean lawlessness but slavery to righteousness and love. The ethical life flows from union with Christ and Spirit-empowerment, not external legal compulsion. This is higher ethics, not lower: love fulfills law's intent (5:14) while surpassing law's external demands. Christian ethics aren't situational relativism but Spirit-produced fruit of love serving others. This challenged both legalists (who couldn't conceive of morality without law) and libertines (who saw freedom as license).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you avoid both legalism (using law for righteousness) and license (using freedom as excuse for sin)?
- What does it mean practically to be free from law-slavery while becoming a love-slave serving others?
- In what areas are you using Christian liberty as 'occasion to the flesh' rather than opportunity to serve in love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Paul transitions from polemic to ethical application. "For, brethren" (hymeis gar ep' eleutheria eklēthēte, adelphoi)—you were called to freedom. Eleutheria (ἐλευθερία) is the freedom Christ won (5:1). God's calling includes liberation from law's bondage. "Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh" (monon mē tēn eleutherian eis aphormēn tē sarki)—don't turn freedom into opportunity/pretext for the flesh. Aphormē (ἀφορμή) is base of operations, springboard, opportunity.
Freedom isn't license for fleshly indulgence. This anticipates antinomian misunderstanding: if we're not under law, can we sin freely? Paul answers: No! "But by love serve one another" (alla dia tēs agapēs douleuete allēlois, ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης δουλεύετε ἀλλήλοις). The verb douleuō (δουλεύω) means to serve as slave—paradox of Christian freedom: freed from law-slavery to become love-slaves to one another. True freedom serves; false freedom serves self. The Spirit produces love that voluntarily serves; the flesh produces selfish license.