Galatians 5:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
μέθαι
drunkenness
G3178
μέθαι
drunkenness
Strong's:
G3178
Word #:
3 of 23
an intoxicant, i.e., (by implication) intoxication
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἃ
of the which
G3739
ἃ
of the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιαῦτα
such things
G5108
τοιαῦτα
such things
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
18 of 23
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
πράσσοντες
they which do
G4238
πράσσοντες
they which do
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
19 of 23
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.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.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.Colossians 3:6For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:1 Peter 4:3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.1 Thessalonians 5:7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.1 Corinthians 15:50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Historical Context
Paul's warning echoes Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23), James (James 2:14-26), and John (1 John 3:4-10): profession without transformation indicates false faith. This challenged easy-believism and cheap grace then and now. Justification by faith alone doesn't mean faith that remains alone—true faith produces Spirit-fruit, not flesh-works. Those habitually practicing vice-list behaviors without repentance give evidence of unregenerate hearts, regardless of profession. Pastoral application: comfort the afflicted (struggling believers burdened by remaining sin), afflict the comfortable (professing Christians contentedly living in sin).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between struggling with remaining sin versus habitually practicing works of the flesh as a lifestyle?
- What does it mean that those who 'do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God'—is this losing salvation or never having it?
- How should this warning affect both your assurance of salvation and your pursuit of holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul concludes the vice list with stern warning. "Envyings" (phthonoi, φθόνοι)—envy, spite, jealousy. "Murders" (phonoi, φόνοι)—killing. "Drunkenness" (methai, μέθαι)—intoxication, habitual drunkenness. "Revellings" (kōmoi, κῶμοι)—carousing, wild parties, orgies. "And such like" (kai ta homoia toutois)—and things similar to these. The list is representative, not exhaustive.
"Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past" (ha prolegō hymin kathōs proeipon)—which I forewarn you, as I previously warned. Paul taught this during his initial ministry. "That they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes basileian theou ou klēronomēsousin). Present participle "do" (prassontes) suggests habitual practice, lifestyle. Not sinless perfection required but directional life. Habitually practicing these works evidences unregenerate heart. True believers struggle with remaining sin but don't contentedly practice these works as lifestyle. This warns against false assurance.