Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγω
This I say
G3004
Λέγω
This I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πνεύματι
in the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
3 of 10
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
περιπατεῖτε
Walk
G4043
περιπατεῖτε
Walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
4 of 10
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
7 of 10
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
Cross References
Galatians 6:8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Romans 6:12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 Peter 4:6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.Colossians 2:11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:Galatians 3:17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Historical Context
Paul presents third way between legalism and license: Spirit-walking. Legalists think rules prevent sin; libertines think freedom permits sin. Paul teaches Spirit-empowered living overcomes sin naturally. This isn't mystical passivity but active faith-dependence on the Spirit's power. Walking implies intentionality and effort, but the power source is Spirit, not flesh. This revolutionized Christian ethics: morality flows from relationship with the indwelling Spirit, not external legal compulsion. Romans 8:1-13 expands this theme extensively.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'walk in the Spirit' throughout your daily activities and decisions?
- How do you experience the Spirit's power overcoming fleshly desires rather than relying on willpower and rules?
- In what areas are you trying to conquer sin through law-keeping rather than Spirit-walking?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Paul's solution to the flesh problem. "This I say then" (legō de, λέγω δέ)—I say, I command. "Walk in the Spirit" (pneumati peripateite, πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε)—keep on walking by/in the Spirit. Peripateō (περιπατέω) means to walk about, conduct one's life. Present imperative: continuous action. Christian living is Spirit-directed walking, not law-directed striving.
"And ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (kai epithymian sarkos ou mē telesēte, καὶ ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε)—and you will absolutely not carry out/complete the flesh's desire. Strong double negative ou mē: emphatic promise. Walk by the Spirit, and fleshly desires won't be accomplished. This isn't sinless perfection but practical victory. The key to holiness isn't trying harder to keep law but walking by the Spirit. Law reveals sin but can't conquer it; the Spirit conquers sin law merely exposes. This is vital: sanctification, like justification, is by faith and Spirit, not works and law.