Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
σαρκός
the flesh
G4561
σαρκός
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
3 of 24
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
ἐπιθυμεῖ
lusteth
G1937
ἐπιθυμεῖ
lusteth
Strong's:
G1937
Word #:
4 of 24
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 24
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 24
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
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκός
the flesh
G4561
σαρκός
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
13 of 24
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
ἀντίκειται
are contrary
G480
ἀντίκειται
are contrary
Strong's:
G480
Word #:
16 of 24
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἃ
G3739
ἃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
20 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Romans 8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.John 3:6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Psalms 119:20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Psalms 119:32I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.Luke 22:46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.Matthew 12:30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Historical Context
This verse sparked theological debate: does Paul describe pre-Christian experience, carnal Christians, or normal Christian life? Context favors the latter: all believers experience flesh-Spirit conflict until glorification. Entire sanctification (Wesleyan) and victorious life (Keswick) movements sought immediate resolution. Reformed theology acknowledges lifelong struggle, though with progressive Spirit-victory. Paul's point: the conflict itself proves you're Spirit-indwelt—unbelievers have no Spirit to oppose flesh. The battle rages, but Spirit increasingly triumphs as believers walk in Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience the internal conflict between flesh and Spirit in your daily Christian life?
- What comfort comes from knowing this struggle is normal Christian experience, not evidence of spiritual failure?
- How does walking in the Spirit give progressive victory in the flesh-Spirit conflict without achieving instant sinless perfection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Paul describes the internal conflict. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit" (hē gar sarx epithymei kata tou pneumatos, ἡ γὰρ σὰρξ ἐπιθυμεῖ κατὰ τοῦ πνεύματος)—the flesh desires against the Spirit. "And the Spirit against the flesh" (to de pneuma kata tēs sarkos)—the Spirit desires against the flesh. Epithymeō means to desire intensely, crave. These two principles war against each other.
"And these are contrary the one to the other" (tauta gar allēlois antikeitai, ταῦτα γὰρ ἀλλήλοις ἀντίκειται)—they oppose, stand against each other. Antikeimai (ἀντίκειμαι) is military term: opposed forces in battle. "So that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (hina mē ha ean thelēte tauta poiēte)—so that you don't do whatever you want. The conflict means believers can't simply follow natural desires (flesh) nor achieve instant perfection (Spirit hasn't yet fully conquered flesh). This is Romans 7 struggle: believers experience real internal warfare between remaining sin and indwelling Spirit.