Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 23
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 8
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτων
such
G5108
τοιούτων
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
5 of 8
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,Acts 24:25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.Titus 2:2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.Titus 1:8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;1 Corinthians 9:25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
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?
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?