Galatians 5:24
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)
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)
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
Cross References
Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.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.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;1 Corinthians 3:23And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.2 Corinthians 10:7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.1 Corinthians 15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.Galatians 3:29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
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
- How does understanding that you've already crucified the flesh at conversion affect your daily battle with sin?
- What does it mean practically to have crucified the flesh's passions and desires while still experiencing temptation?
- How do you apply the positional reality (flesh crucified) to experiential reality (ongoing spiritual warfare)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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).