King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:15 Mean?

Galatians 5:15 in the King James Version says “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

Galatians 5:15 · KJV

Context

13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ye: or, fulfil not

17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Paul warns against internal church conflict. "But if ye bite and devour one another" (ei de allēlous daknete kai katesthiete, εἰ δὲ ἀλλήλους δάκνετε καὶ κατεσθίετε)—if you bite and consume each other like wild animals. Daknō (δάκνω) is to bite, gnaw; katesthiō (κατεσθίω) is to eat up, devour. Vivid imagery of vicious mutual destruction. Present tense indicates ongoing action—they're currently doing this.

"Take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (blepete mē hyp' allēlōn analōthēte, βλέπετε μὴ ὑπ' ἀλλήλων ἀναλωθῆτε)—watch out, beware lest you be completely consumed/destroyed by one another. Analiskomai (ἀναλίσκομαι) means total consumption, annihilation. The controversy over circumcision created bitter division. Instead of love serving one another (5:13), they were attacking and destroying each other. Doctrinal controversy, without love, breeds vicious infighting that destroys churches. Paul's warning: your mutual attacks will consume you all. Love must govern even theological disputes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Church conflicts over doctrine and practice have often degenerated into vicious personal attacks, character assassination, and community destruction. The Galatian controversy wasn't abstract theology but created real division, with believers choosing sides and attacking opponents. Paul previously commanded love and mutual service; now he warns that their actual behavior is the opposite—mutually destructive. This pattern continues: theological disputes without love destroy churches. Truth matters, but so does how we contend for truth. Bite-and-devour religion isn't Christianity regardless of doctrinal correctness.

Reflection Questions

  1. Paul warns against 'biting and devouring'—where are you engaging theological disagreements in ways that wound rather than build up?
  2. The mutual destruction ('consumed one of another') assumes both parties are attacking—are your disputes characterized by mutual aggression or patient truth-telling?
  3. When does defending gospel truth cross the line into personal animosity and flesh-driven conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
εἰ1 of 11

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 11

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλήλων3 of 11

“another”

G240

one another

δάκνετε4 of 11

“ye bite”

G1143

to bite, i.e., (figuratively) thwart

καὶ5 of 11

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατεσθίετε6 of 11

“devour”

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

βλέπετε7 of 11

“take heed”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

μὴ8 of 11

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπό9 of 11

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἀλλήλων10 of 11

“another”

G240

one another

ἀναλωθῆτε11 of 11

“consumed”

G355

properly, to use up, i.e., destroy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 5:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:3James 3:14-4:3Galatians 5:262 Corinthians 11:201 Corinthians 6:6-82 Corinthians 12:20

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