Galatians 5:15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Church conflicts over doctrine and practice have often degenerated into vicious personal attacks, character assassination, and community destruction. The Galatian controversy wasn't abstract theology but created real division, with believers choosing sides and attacking opponents. Paul previously commanded love and mutual service; now he warns that their actual behavior is the opposite—mutually destructive. This pattern continues: theological disputes without love destroy churches. Truth matters, but so does how we contend for truth. Bite-and-devour religion isn't Christianity regardless of doctrinal correctness.
Questions for Reflection
- Paul warns against 'biting and devouring'—where are you engaging theological disagreements in ways that wound rather than build up?
- The mutual destruction ('consumed one of another') assumes both parties are attacking—are your disputes characterized by mutual aggression or patient truth-telling?
- When does defending gospel truth cross the line into personal animosity and flesh-driven conflict?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Paul warns against internal church conflict. "But if ye bite and devour one another" (ei de allēlous daknete kai katesthiete, εἰ δὲ ἀλλήλους δάκνετε καὶ κατεσθίετε)—if you bite and consume each other like wild animals. Daknō (δάκνω) is to bite, gnaw; katesthiō (κατεσθίω) is to eat up, devour. Vivid imagery of vicious mutual destruction. Present tense indicates ongoing action—they're currently doing this.
"Take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (blepete mē hyp' allēlōn analōthēte, βλέπετε μὴ ὑπ' ἀλλήλων ἀναλωθῆτε)—watch out, beware lest you be completely consumed/destroyed by one another. Analiskomai (ἀναλίσκομαι) means total consumption, annihilation. The controversy over circumcision created bitter division. Instead of love serving one another (5:13), they were attacking and destroying each other. Doctrinal controversy, without love, breeds vicious infighting that destroys churches. Paul's warning: your mutual attacks will consume you all. Love must govern even theological disputes.