Galatians 5:21
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The phrase "and such like" isn't just a catch-all for similar sins; it emphasizes that the list of "works of the flesh" is not exhaustive but representative of a whole lifestyle characterized by self-will over God's. Paul's repeated warning, "I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past," highlights the gravity of living in habitual sin, not as isolated incidents, but as a defining pattern that prevents inheriting God's kingdom.
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 concluding his list of "works of the flesh" with serious sins like envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. He reminds the Galatians that he has warned them about these things before, both now and during his previous visits, emphasizing that those who persist in such behavior cannot inherit God's kingdom.
Paul lists envy, drunkenness, and orgies, but then adds 'and things like these.' What does this phrase really mean for us today?
Paul isn't just giving a strict, limited list of sins. He uses "and such like" (or "and things like these") as a catch-all phrase. It means that anything similar in nature to what he's just listed – anything that springs from the self-centered, rebellious desires of our fallen nature – is also included.
Think of it like this:
"And things like these" sweeps in anything that operates on the same principle: selfishness, lack of self-control, and living for immediate gratification rather than God's will. It's a warning that the spirit behind these specific sins is what truly separates us from God.
Paul issues a stark warning: 'those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.' What does this mean for believers?
This is a serious warning from Paul, not a condemnation of those who stumble but a clear statement about those who persist.
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Paul's earlier warnings to the Galatians, mentioned in this verse ('as I warned you before'), underscore the seriousness and consistency of this message. He's reminding them of foundational truths they heard when they first believed.
Understand the original words
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 warning in Galatians 5:21 about inheriting the kingdom of God is not a new threat but a repeated emphasis. Paul's past instruction, now reiterated in his letter, underscores the gravity of continuing in 'works of the flesh' despite having received the gospel.
c. AD 48-49
Paul's First Visit to Galatia
Paul preaches the Gospel in the region of Galatia, establishing churches among the Gentile believers there. This is the initial founding period of the churches.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Visit to Galatia
The Apostle Paul likely revisits the Galatian churches during his second missionary journey. During this visit, he would have reinforced his earlier teachings and warnings.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes the Letter to the Galatians
Writing from Ephesus, Paul addresses the serious theological and practical issues that have arisen in the Galatian churches, particularly the pressure to adopt Jewish legalistic practices.
This passage lists similar behaviors and explicitly states that 'such people will not inherit the kingdom of God,' reinforcing Paul's warning in Galatians.
Romans 13:13This verse echoes the themes of drunkenness and revelry found in Galatians 5:21, urging believers to live righteously and put off sinful conduct.
Ephesians 5:5-6Similar to Galatians, this passage warns that those involved in sexual immorality, impurity, or greed will not inherit God's kingdom, highlighting the consistent teaching on the consequences of unrepentant sin.
1 Peter 4:3Peter describes past lifestyles of Gentiles including drunkenness and revelry, aligning with Paul's list and indicating that such ways are incompatible with a life lived for God.
Matthew 7:21-23Jesus' teaching here clarifies that merely claiming to know God is insufficient; those who practice lawlessness (akin to the 'works of the flesh' in Galatians) will not enter the kingdom, emphasizing the need for true obedience.
gillGalatians 5:21: "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."
Envyings..... Uneasy distressing tortures of the mind, grieving at the good of others, that any should be in an equal, or in a better condition than themselves: murders, destroying of men's lives, which is often the consequence of the above evils: drunkenness; excess in drinking of…
meyerGalatians 5:21: "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."
Galatians 5:21 . Φθόνοι , φόνοι ] paronomasia, as in Romans 1:29 ; Eur. Troad . 736. κῶμοι ] revellings, comissationes , especially at night; Herm. Privatalterth . § 17. 29. Comp. Romans 13:13 ; 1 Peter 4:3 ; Plat. Theaet . p. 173 D: δεῖπνα καὶ σὺν αὐλητρίσι κῶμοι . Symp . p. 212 C;…
The phrase "and such like" isn't just a catch-all for similar sins; it emphasizes that the list of "works of the flesh" is not exhaustive but representative of a whole lifestyle characterized by self-will over God's. Paul's repeated warning, "I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past," highlights the gravity of living in habitual sin, not as isolated incidents, but as a defining pattern that prevents inheriting God's kingdom.
Paul is concluding his list of "works of the flesh" with serious sins like envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. He reminds the Galatians that he has warned them about these things before, both now and during his previous visits, emphasizing that those who persist in such behavior cannot inherit God's kingdom.
Paul is concluding his list of "works of the flesh" with serious sins like envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. He reminds the Galatians that he has warned them about these things before, both now and during his previous visits, emphasizing that those who persist in such behavior cannot inherit God's kingdom.
"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." — The phrase "and such like" isn't just a catch-all for similar sins; it emphasizes that the list of "works of the flesh" is not exhaustive but representative of a whole lifestyle characterized by self…
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Last reviewed October 2026
