Galatians 5:19-20
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just list sins; he calls them "works of the flesh," highlighting how these actions are not random but are the predictable output of human nature estranged from God. The plural "works" also contrasts with the singular "fruit" of the Spirit, emphasizing the fragmented and often conflicting nature of sin versus the unified harmony of God's character.
Paul is contrasting the life led by God's Spirit with the life ruled by the flesh. He's just stated that those led by the Spirit are not under the law, and now he shows why: the "works of the flesh" are obvious, and they are the very things the law condemns. These blatant sins stand in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit" he will describe next.
Paul doesn't hold back when describing the 'works of the flesh.' What makes these actions so obvious, and why does it matter?
Paul begins Galatians 5:19 with a powerful declaration: 'Now the works of the flesh are evident.' The Greek word for 'evident' (phanera) means obvious, plain, or easily recognized. Paul is saying that the actions stemming from our sinful nature aren't hidden; they betray themselves.
This isn't just about private thoughts or hidden desires. These are 'works' – actions and behaviors that have tangible effects. They are so characteristic of our fallen human nature that they leave no doubt about their source. They stand in stark contrast to the life led by the Spirit.
Think of it like a tree. A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. You can tell what kind of tree it is by the fruit it bears. Similarly, the 'works' of the flesh are the clear indicators of a life dominated by our sinful nature, rather than by God's Spirit.
When Paul lists 'sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,' do you think he's only talking about sexual sins?
It's easy to assume that 'the flesh' solely refers to sexual desires. However, the context of Galatians and Paul's other writings reveals a much broader meaning. 'The flesh' in Paul's theology represents our entire human nature as it is estranged from God, influenced by sin, and prone to rebellion.
While 'sexual immorality' (porneia) and 'sensuality' (aselgeia) clearly point to sexual sins, 'impurity' (akatharsia) is a more general term for uncleanness. This can encompass a wide range of corrupt thoughts, actions, and even unnatural vices, as some commentators suggest.
The important takeaway is that 'the flesh' isn't just about physical desires; it's about the whole fallen human condition. It includes things like envy, wrath, and divisions – sins that aren't necessarily sexual but still spring from our self-centered, God-opposed nature. This broad understanding helps us see that 'works of the flesh' can manifest in many different aspects of life, not just in our intimate relationships.
Understand the original words
porneia · Greek Noun
General term for sexual sin, including any sexual activity outside the bounds of the biblical covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
akatharsia · Greek Noun
Moral and spiritual uncleanness, specifically referring to that which makes one unfit for the presence of a holy God.
aselgeia · Greek Noun
Lack of moral restraint; lewdness or unbridled lust that ignores social standards and God's moral law.
eidōlolatreia · Greek Noun
The worship of created things or images instead of the Creator; anything that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of trust or devotion.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Empire cultural norms
The Roman Empire, within which the Galatian churches existed, had varying degrees of tolerance for sexual immorality, with practices like prostitution and public sexual displays being relatively common in many urban centers.
c. 1st century AD
Influence of Greek philosophy
Various philosophical schools in the Greco-Roman world offered differing views on morality and the body, with some promoting asceticism and others a more permissive approach to physical desires.
c. AD 48-55
Paul's founding of Galatian churches
The Apostle Paul established churches in the region of Galatia during his missionary journeys, likely on his first or second journey. These new communities were composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-62— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Galatians
Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia to address serious theological issues, particularly the insistence by some that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. He defends the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
This passage also describes people given over to impurity and the lusts of their hearts, directly linking these sins to God's judgment and abandonment, mirroring Paul's description of the flesh's works.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10This list of sins explicitly states that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God, reinforcing the severity and consequence of the 'works of the flesh' that Paul is outlining.
Ephesians 5:3-6Similar to Galatians, this passage warns believers against sexual immorality and impurity, emphasizing that such actions are unfitting for God's people and will incur His wrath.
Matthew 5:27-28Jesus expands the definition of adultery beyond the physical act to include lustful glances, showing that the 'works of the flesh' begin even in the heart, a concept that underlies Paul's broader list.
cambridgeGalatians 5:19: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
19–23 . St Paul supplies a test whereby men may ascertain whether they are under the curse of the law or heirs of the promise. First, the Apostle gives a list of the works of the flesh —not complete but comprehensive—the commission of which excludes men from the inheritance. They cannot plead the promise. It is not for such as they. They shall not inherit the Kingdom o…
vincentGalatians 5:19: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
ManifestYou have a clearly defined standard by which to decide whether you are led by the Spirit or by the flesh. Each exhibits its peculiar works or fruits.Adultery (μοιχεία)To be dropped from the text.Uncleanness (ἀκαθαρσία)See on 1 Thessalonians 2:3.Lasciviousness (ἀσελγεια)See on Mark 7:22.
Paul doesn't just list sins; he calls them "works of the flesh," highlighting how these actions are not random but are the predictable output of human nature estranged from God. The plural "works" also contrasts with the singular "fruit" of the Spirit, emphasizing the fragmented and often conflicting nature of sin versus the unified harmony of God's character.
Paul is contrasting the life led by God's Spirit with the life ruled by the flesh. He's just stated that those led by the Spirit are not under the law, and now he shows why: the "works of the flesh" are obvious, and they are the very things the law condemns. These blatant sins stand in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit" he will describe next.
Paul is contrasting the life led by God's Spirit with the life ruled by the flesh. He's just stated that those led by the Spirit are not under the law, and now he shows why: the "works of the flesh" are obvious, and they are the very things the law condemns. These blatant sins stand in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit" he will describe next.
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pharmakeia · Greek Noun
Literally 'pharmakeia' (use of drugs); in biblical context, it refers to witchcraft, occult practices, or the use of charms and spells to manipulate spiritual or natural reality.
echthra · Greek Noun
Hostility or deep-seated hatred; being an enemy of someone, which is the opposite of the commanded love for one's neighbor.
eris · Greek Noun
Conflict, contention, or arguing; a spirit of self-assertion that leads to interpersonal friction and disorder.
zēlos · Greek Noun
The painful awareness of another's advantage or possession, often coupled with a desire to take it away or to see the other person deprived.
thymos · Greek Noun
Sudden outbursts of temper or explosive rage; the lack of emotional self-control.
eritheia · Greek Noun
Selfish ambition; the pursuit of one's own agenda or advancement through manipulation or partisan interest.
dichostasia · Greek Noun
The act of causing factions, discord, or schisms within the body of believers; promoting unauthorized separate groups.
hairesis · Greek Noun
Parties, sects, or factions; creating divisive cliques within the church that destroy unity.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions," — Paul doesn't just list sins; he calls them "works of the flesh," highlighting how these actions are not random but are the predictable output of human nature estranged from God. The plural "works" al…
