Galatians 5:19-21
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul doesn't just list sins; he uses "works of the flesh" to show that even seemingly private thoughts or desires have outward manifestations. These "works" are "manifest" – obvious to everyone – proving they come from our fallen nature, not from God's Spirit.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is contrasting the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit" as a way for the Galatians to discern their spiritual state. He begins by listing the obvious, sinful behaviors that stem from their fallen human nature, emphasizing that these actions clearly show they are not being led by God. These explicitly detailed sins stand in stark contrast to the positive character traits that will follow.
Ever wonder if there's a clear way to tell if you're walking by the Spirit or giving in to your flesh? Paul gives us a pretty direct answer here.
Paul introduces a list of "works of the flesh" in Galatians 5:19, stating they are "manifest." This word means they are obvious, plain to see, not hidden secrets. The "flesh," in this context, refers to our fallen human nature, our sinful inclinations that are in opposition to God. When this nature is in control, its output isn't subtle; it's evident in our actions. Paul isn't saying every single sin is always public, but that the nature of these actions clearly reveals their source – they are not from God's Spirit.
Think of it like this: a healthy tree naturally produces good fruit, and a diseased tree produces rotten fruit. You can tell what kind of tree it is by the fruit it bears. Similarly, Paul says we can discern the source of our actions by examining them. The "works of the flesh" are the tangible results of our sinful nature being at the helm.
When Paul lists "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality," do you think he's only talking about sexual sins?
The initial words in this list – "sexual immorality" (often translated from the Greek word for illicit sexual acts) and "impurity" (a general term for uncleanness) – clearly point to sexual sins. "Sensuality" (or lasciviousness) describes shamelessness and excess, often linked to unrestrained desire. However, the broader context and scholarly understanding suggest Paul isn't limiting this list to just sexual transgressions.
The "flesh" represents our entire fallen human nature, estranged from God. Its "works" can manifest in various ways, including actions that disrupt relationships (like anger or division, mentioned later in the list) and even sins related to misguided worship. The commentators note that while these specific terms relate to impurity, they serve as examples of a broader rebellion against God stemming from our sinful nature.
Ask a follow-up
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.
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.
phthonos · Greek Noun
A feeling of resentment or jealousy regarding the possessions, qualities, or success of another; it is considered a destructive work of the flesh that disrupts community.
methē · Greek Noun
The act of consuming intoxicating drink to excess, leading to loss of sobriety, impaired judgment, and behavior inconsistent with a life governed by the Holy Spirit.
kōmos · Greek Noun
Refers to unrestrained, riotous parties or debauchery characterized by sexual immorality and excess, typical of a life lived apart from God.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign and rule of God; inheriting it refers to entering into the fullness of eternal life and communion with God in His present and future kingdom.
The Apostle Paul was writing to churches in Galatia who were being influenced by a mix of cultural norms and theological pressures. By listing 'works of the flesh,' he was directly confronting behaviors common in their Greco-Roman world and contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit.
c. 2nd Century BC - 1st Century AD
Greco-Roman Culture and Morality
The Roman Empire, and the Hellenistic culture it inherited, had varying views on sexual morality. While some philosophers advocated for restraint, widespread practices like temple prostitution and a general acceptance of extramarital affairs for men were common in many areas, creating a morally ambiguous environment.
c. 40s-50s AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Galatia
The Apostle Paul founded churches in the region of Galatia, likely during his second missionary journey. He later wrote this letter to address challenges and theological distortions within these communities.
c. 50s AD
The Galatian Controversy
Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law. This created tension and division within the early church, prompting Paul to defend the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
This passage describes God giving people over to impurity and lust, directly paralleling Paul's list of 'works of the flesh' with a focus on sexual immorality and uncleanness.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10Here, Paul explicitly states that 'sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers' will not inherit the kingdom of God, reinforcing the severity of these 'works of the flesh'.
Ephesians 5:3-5This passage warns against sexual immorality and impurity, stating they should not even be named among believers, aligning with the clear prohibition against the 'works of the flesh' mentioned in Galatians.
Colossians 3:5-7Paul directly links 'sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed' to idolatry, framing these 'works of the flesh' as fundamentally turning away from God.
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 uses "works of the flesh" to show that even seemingly private thoughts or desires have outward manifestations. These "works" are "manifest" – obvious to everyone – proving they come from our fallen nature, not from God's Spirit.
Paul is contrasting the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit" as a way for the Galatians to discern their spiritual state. He begins by listing the obvious, sinful behaviors that stem from their fallen human nature, emphasizing that these actions clearly show they are not being led by God. These explicitly detailed sins stand in stark contrast to the positive character traits that will follow.
Paul is contrasting the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit" as a way for the Galatians to discern their spiritual state. He begins by listing the obvious, sinful behaviors that stem from their fallen human nature, emphasizing that these actions clearly show they are not being led by God. These explicitly detailed sins stand in stark contrast to the positive character traits that will follow.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, a…" — Paul doesn't just list sins; he uses "works of the flesh" to show that even seemingly private thoughts or desires have outward manifestations. These "works" are "manifest" – obvious to everyone – pro…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
