Galatians 5:23

Analysis & Commentary

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Paul completes the fruit-list. "Meekness" (praytēs, πραΰτης)—gentleness, humility, considerateness, strength under control. Not weakness but controlled strength, like a broken horse. Jesus exemplified meekness (Matthew 11:29, 21:5). "Temperance" (enkrateia, ἐγκράτεια)—self-control, discipline, mastery over desires. The capstone: all other fruit requires self-control empowered by the Spirit.

"Against such there is no law" (kata tōn toioutōn ouk estin nomos, κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος)—law doesn't oppose these. This is brilliant conclusion: law forbids vice and commands virtue, but can't produce virtue. The Spirit produces what law commands but can't create. Those manifesting Spirit-fruit fulfill law's intent without being under law's jurisdiction. Law has no case against love, joy, peace, etc. Walking in the Spirit naturally accomplishes what law-keeping attempted but failed. This demolishes the Judaizers: why embrace law when the Spirit produces what law demanded?

Historical Context

Self-control (enkrateia) was prized in Greek philosophy as cardinal virtue achieved through discipline and willpower. Paul agrees it's essential but insists it's Spirit-produced, not self-generated. Meekness was despised in Greco-Roman honor-shame culture as weakness; Paul, following Jesus, exalts it as strength under divine control. This fruit-list is countercultural, valuing qualities the world despises (humility, gentleness, patience) and producing them supernaturally. The concluding phrase refutes legalism: Spirit-fruit fulfills law; law has no quarrel with Spirit-produced character.

Questions for Reflection

• How does Spirit-produced self-control differ from mere willpower and self-discipline?
• What does biblical meekness—strength under control—look like in your relationships and circumstances?
• How does producing Spirit-fruit fulfill the law's intent while freeing you from law as operating principle?