Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματός
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματός
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 13
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
ἀγάπη
love
G26
ἀγάπη
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
7 of 13
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
9 of 13
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
μακροθυμία
longsuffering
G3115
μακροθυμία
longsuffering
Strong's:
G3115
Word #:
10 of 13
longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
χρηστότης
gentleness
G5544
χρηστότης
gentleness
Strong's:
G5544
Word #:
11 of 13
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
Cross References
John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.Ephesians 5:9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Psalms 1:3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Romans 7:4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.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:Matthew 12:33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.1 Corinthians 13:13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Historical Context
This fruit-list contrasts sharply with the vice-list, showing the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit. Ancient moral philosophy (Stoicism, Epicureanism) sought these virtues through human effort and discipline. Paul insists they're supernaturally produced by the Spirit in those united to Christ. You can't manufacture this fruit through willpower or law-keeping—only the Spirit creates it. This is sanctification's progressive nature: the Spirit increasingly produces His fruit in believers who walk by faith. The fruit is evidence of genuine salvation and Spirit-presence.
Questions for Reflection
- Which specific fruit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith—is most lacking in your current Spirit-walk?
- Paul lists nine virtues as singular 'fruit' not plural 'fruits'—why does the Spirit produce a unified character package rather than piecemeal virtues?
- Where are you trying to manufacture spiritual fruit through self-effort instead of walking in dependence on the Spirit?
Analysis & Commentary
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Glorious contrast! "But the fruit of the Spirit" (ho de karpos tou pneumatos estin, ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν)—note singular "fruit" versus plural "works" of flesh. The Spirit produces unified, organic fruit, not mechanical works. This fruit is the Spirit's production in believers. "Love" (agapē, ἀγάπη)—self-giving love, the essence of God's nature (1 John 4:8). First and foundational: all other fruit flows from love. "Joy" (chara, χαρά)—gladness, delight, independent of circumstances.
"Peace" (eirēnē, εἰρήνη)—tranquility, harmony, wholeness, reconciliation with God and others. "Longsuffering" (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—patience, long-tempered forbearance, slowness to anger. "Gentleness" (chrēstotēs, χρηστότης)—kindness, benevolence, generosity. "Goodness" (agathōsynē, ἀγαθωσύνη)—moral excellence, uprightness, generosity. "Faith" (pistis, πίστις)—faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness (though could mean faith in God). Each quality reflects Christ's character. This is Spirit-produced Christ-likeness.