Galatians 5:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Galatians 5:21
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Chapter Context
Galatians 5 is a polemical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, worship. Written during either before or after the Jerusalem Council (c. 48-55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Gentile believers faced pressure to adopt Jewish practices for full acceptance.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Galatians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Galatians 5:21
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Analysis
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul concludes the vice list with stern warning. "Envyings" (phthonoi, φθόνοι)—envy, spite, jealousy. "Murders" (phonoi, φόνοι)—killing. "Drunkenness" (methai, μέθαι)—intoxication, habitual drunkenness. "Revellings" (kōmoi, κῶμοι)—carousing, wild parties, orgies. "And such like" (kai ta homoia toutois)—and things similar to these. The list is representative, not exhaustive.
"Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past" (ha prolegō hymin kathōs proeipon)—which I forewarn you, as I previously warned. Paul taught this during his initial ministry. "That they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes basileian theou ou klēronomēsousin). Present participle "do" (prassontes) suggests habitual practice, lifestyle. Not sinless perfection required but directional life. Habitually practicing these works evidences unregenerate heart. True believers struggle with remaining sin but don't contentedly practice these works as lifestyle. This warns against false assurance.
Historical Context
Paul's warning echoes Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23), James (James 2:14-26), and John (1 John 3:4-10): profession without transformation indicates false faith. This challenged easy-believism and cheap grace then and now. Justification by faith alone doesn't mean faith that remains alone—true faith produces Spirit-fruit, not flesh-works. Those habitually practicing vice-list behaviors without repentance give evidence of unregenerate hearts, regardless of profession. Pastoral application: comfort the afflicted (struggling believers burdened by remaining sin), afflict the comfortable (professing Christians contentedly living in sin).
Reflection
- How do you distinguish between struggling with remaining sin versus habitually practicing works of the flesh as a lifestyle?
- What does it mean that those who 'do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God'—is this losing salvation or never having it?
- How should this warning affect both your assurance of salvation and your pursuit of holiness?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Colossians 3:6
- Kingdom: 1 Corinthians 15:50
- Parallel theme: Romans 8:13, 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:7, 1 Peter 4:3