Galatians 5:20-21
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The list moves from spiritual rebellion (idolatry, sorcery) to relational breakdown, and it's easy to miss that "divisions" are the final step, showing how internal sin fractures outward into organized parties and sects. This progression highlights how deeply interconnected our spiritual state and our community life truly are.
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 listing the "works of the flesh," which are the sinful actions that come from our unredeemed human nature, contrasting them with the "fruit of the Spirit." This list follows his exhortation to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh, and it precedes his warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This list of 'works of the flesh' includes 'witchcraft.' But what did that really mean to Paul, and how is it different from just believing in magic?
The Greek word for 'witchcraft' (pharmakeia) originally related to drugs or potions. However, in Paul's time, it broadened to include the use of magic, spells, and enchantments, often mixed with potions.
A Deeper Deception
When Paul lists this alongside 'idolatry,' he's pointing to something more sinister than just mistaken beliefs. It’s about attempts to manipulate reality or gain power through forbidden means, often involving deception and a reliance on spiritual forces other than God.
More Than Just 'Curious Arts'
This wasn't just harmless superstition; it was seen as a form of allegiance to spiritual powers that opposed God, often involving deceit and harm. The context of Galatians suggests these practices were seductive, offering a false sense of control or benefit.
Key takeaway: 'Witchcraft' here signifies practices that aim to bypass God’s order through illicit spiritual means, often involving deception and a reliance on created powers rather than the Creator.
Paul lists several words that sound like they’re all talking about the same thing: 'strife,' 'seditions,' and 'heresies.' What’s the nuanced difference, and why are they all 'works of the flesh'?
These terms describe a progression of relational breakdown within communities, all stemming from the flesh's inability to truly love.
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From Quarrels to Camps
The Flesh's Blueprint for Breakdown
These aren’t just personality clashes; they are destructive patterns that tear apart relationships and communities. They reveal the flesh’s tendency to prioritize self, status, and partisan loyalty over the unity and love that the Spirit cultivates.
Paul names 'jealousy' and 'fits of anger' as 'works of the flesh.' How do these powerful emotions become destructive when fueled by our sinful nature?
While emotions themselves aren't inherently sinful, the way the flesh expresses and directs them can be deeply destructive.
Jealousy's Grasp (Zelos)
The Greek word here, 'zelos,' can mean zeal or fervent desire, but in this context, it's a negative 'emulation' or intense jealousy. It’s the bitter resentment of another’s success or possessions, leading to a desire to either tear them down or gain what they have, regardless of the cost to unity.
Wrath's Eruption (Thumos)
'Thumos' refers to passionate anger, often explosive and uncontrolled. These aren't just fleeting annoyances but intense outbursts that disrupt harmony and relationships. The flesh 'uses' these emotions as weapons, often fueled by jealousy or perceived slights.
The Flesh's Malice
When jealousy and wrath aren't surrendered to the Spirit, they become tools of the flesh. They fuel the 'enmities, strife, rivalries, dissensions' also listed. Instead of being channels for righteous indignation or holy zeal, they become instruments of destruction, undermining love and community.
Understand the original words
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 list of 'works of the flesh' in Galatians 5:20 reflects the intense spiritual battle faced by early Christians living in a pagan world filled with idolatry, magic, and deeply ingrained social divisions.
c. 49 BC
Paul's Conversion and Call
Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. This event transforms him into the Apostle Paul, a fervent preacher of the Gospel.
c. AD 40-49
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
Paul embarks on extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, planting churches in cities like Antioch, Derbe, Lystra, and Philippi. He faces opposition and persecution but experiences great success in spreading Christianity.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council addresses whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish law. The decision is made that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law, a crucial theological foundation for Paul's ministry.
c. AD 50-52
Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman port city. Here, he writes his first and second letters to the Thessalonians. He also experiences opposition from some Jewish leaders.
c. AD 53-57
Ministry in Ephesus
Paul resides in Ephesus for over two years, a center of pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis. This setting highlights the stark contrast between Christian faith and the surrounding idolatry and 'curious arts' (magic).
c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes to the Corinthian church, addressing severe divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes. This letter reveals the struggles of early Christian communities to live out their faith amidst a pagan culture.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor, strengthening churches and confronting false teachings. His ministry often involves addressing the practical outworking of faith in daily life and combating the influence of surrounding pagan practices.
This passage lists many of the same 'works of the flesh,' including enmity, strife, and jealousy, highlighting the consistent nature of these sinful behaviors throughout the early church.
1 Corinthians 5:11Paul directly addresses 'idolatry' and 'drunkards, revilers, or swindlers' in this chapter, echoing the theme of avoiding such behaviors for those who claim to be believers.
Colossians 3:8This verse lists similar vices like anger, wrath, malice, and slander, urging believers to 'put them away' and align their lives with Christ.
Revelation 21:8This passage in Revelation lists 'sorcerers' alongside other wicked groups who will face judgment, underscoring the severe spiritual implications of practices like witchcraft.
cambridgeGalatians 5:20: "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,"
20, 21 . The second class of sins are those which concern religion—idolatry and sorcery, or witchcraft. The word ‘idolatry’ is probably to be understood here in its literal sense, the worship of false deities, and not in the metaphorical and wider sense in which it is employed by St Paul, e.g. Ephesians 5:5 , a passage which is, however, strikingly parallel to this. Comp. Colossians 3:5 ; 1…
vincentGalatians 5:20: "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,"
Witchcraft (φαρμακία)Or sorcery. Elsewhere only Revelation 18:23. From φάρμακον a drug. In lxx, see Exodus 7:11; Wisd. 12:4; Isaiah 47:9. Comp. Acts 19:19, περίεργα curious arts, note.Wrath (θυμοί)Lit. wraths. See on John 3:36.Strife (ἐριθίαι)More correctly, factions. From ἔριθος a hired servant. Ἑριθία is, primarily, labor for hire (see Tob. 2:11), and is applied to those who ser…
The list moves from spiritual rebellion (idolatry, sorcery) to relational breakdown, and it's easy to miss that "divisions" are the final step, showing how internal sin fractures outward into organized parties and sects. This progression highlights how deeply interconnected our spiritual state and our community life truly are.
Paul is listing the "works of the flesh," which are the sinful actions that come from our unredeemed human nature, contrasting them with the "fruit of the Spirit." This list follows his exhortation to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh, and it precedes his warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul is listing the "works of the flesh," which are the sinful actions that come from our unredeemed human nature, contrasting them with the "fruit of the Spirit." This list follows his exhortation to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh, and it precedes his warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
"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…" — The list moves from spiritual rebellion (idolatry, sorcery) to relational breakdown, and it's easy to miss that "divisions" are the final step, showing how internal sin fractures outward into organiz…
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Last reviewed October 2026
