Galatians 5:21

Authorized King James Version

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φθόνοι
G5355
Envyings
ill-will (as detraction), i.e., jealousy (spite)
#2
φόνοι,
G5408
murders
murder
#3
μέθαι
G3178
drunkenness
an intoxicant, i.e., (by implication) intoxication
#4
κῶμοι
G2970
revellings
a carousal (as if letting loose)
#5
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὅμοια
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#8
τούτοις
G5125
such
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
#9
ἃ
G3739
of the which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
προλέγω
G4302
I tell
to say beforehand, i.e., predict, forewarn
#11
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#12
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#13
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
προεῖπον
G4277
I have
to say already, to predict
#15
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
τοιαῦτα
G5108
such things
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
#19
πράσσοντες
G4238
they which do
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
#20
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#21
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#22
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#23
κληρονομήσουσιν
G2816
inherit
to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection