Galatians Chapter 5 · Verse 24

Authorized King James Version

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And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Original Language Analysis

ταῖς they that are G3588
ταῖς they that are
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ And G1161
δὲ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 13
but, and, etc
ταῖς they that are G3588
ταῖς they that are
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστοῦ Christ's G5547
Χριστοῦ Christ's
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 4 of 13
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ταῖς they that are G3588
ταῖς they that are
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα the flesh G4561
σάρκα the flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 6 of 13
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἐσταύρωσαν have crucified G4717
ἐσταύρωσαν have crucified
Strong's: G4717
Word #: 7 of 13
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
σὺν with G4862
σὺν with
Strong's: G4862
Word #: 8 of 13
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ταῖς they that are G3588
ταῖς they that are
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παθήμασιν the affections G3804
παθήμασιν the affections
Strong's: G3804
Word #: 10 of 13
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς they that are G3588
ταῖς they that are
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιθυμίαις lusts G1939
ἐπιθυμίαις lusts
Strong's: G1939
Word #: 13 of 13
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

Analysis & Commentary

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul describes believers' relationship to the flesh. "And they that are Christ's" (hoi de tou Christou Iēsou, οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ)—those belonging to Christ Jesus. Believers are Christ's possession, bought with His blood. "Have crucified the flesh" (tēn sarka estaurōsan, τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν)—aorist tense indicates definitive past act. At conversion, believers crucified the flesh—not annihilation but decisive death-blow breaking its dominion.

"With the affections and lusts" (syn tois pathēmasin kai tais epithymiais, σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις)—with its passions and desires. Pathēma (πάθημα) is passion, suffering, emotion; epithymia (ἐπιθυμία) is desire, lust, craving. Crucifixion imagery: the flesh is dying (still struggles, still fights) but decisively defeated. Believers aren't sinless but the flesh's tyranny is broken. This is positional reality (accomplished at conversion) being worked out practically (progressive sanctification). Union with Christ in His crucifixion means the flesh is crucified too (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20).

Historical Context

Crucifixion was Rome's most shameful, agonizing execution—slow, public, humiliating death. Paul uses this graphic imagery for what happened to the flesh at conversion: it underwent death-sentence. The flesh isn't yet completely dead (resurrection/glorification will complete the process) but it's dying, mortally wounded, condemned. This "already but not yet" explains Christian experience: the flesh is crucified (positional) but still struggles (experiential). Believers must daily reckon the flesh dead (Romans 6:11) and walk in the Spirit (5:16), applying conversion's decisive victory in daily battles.

Questions for Reflection