King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:16 Mean?

Galatians 5:16 in the King James Version says “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ye: or, fulfil not” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 5:16 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

18

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Read Galatians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Paul's solution to the flesh problem. "This I say then" (legō de, λέγω δέ)—I say, I command. "Walk in the Spirit" (pneumati peripateite, πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε)—keep on walking by/in the Spirit. Peripateō (περιπατέω) means to walk about, conduct one's life. Present imperative: continuous action. Christian living is Spirit-directed walking, not law-directed striving.

"And ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (kai epithymian sarkos ou mē telesēte, καὶ ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε)—and you will absolutely not carry out/complete the flesh's desire. Strong double negative ou mē: emphatic promise. Walk by the Spirit, and fleshly desires won't be accomplished. This isn't sinless perfection but practical victory. The key to holiness isn't trying harder to keep law but walking by the Spirit. Law reveals sin but can't conquer it; the Spirit conquers sin law merely exposes. This is vital: sanctification, like justification, is by faith and Spirit, not works and law.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul presents third way between legalism and license: Spirit-walking. Legalists think rules prevent sin; libertines think freedom permits sin. Paul teaches Spirit-empowered living overcomes sin naturally. This isn't mystical passivity but active faith-dependence on the Spirit's power. Walking implies intentionality and effort, but the power source is Spirit, not flesh. This revolutionized Christian ethics: morality flows from relationship with the indwelling Spirit, not external legal compulsion. Romans 8:1-13 expands this theme extensively.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'walk in the Spirit' throughout your daily activities and decisions?
  2. How do you experience the Spirit's power overcoming fleshly desires rather than relying on willpower and rules?
  3. In what areas are you trying to conquer sin through law-keeping rather than Spirit-walking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Λέγω1 of 10

“This I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δέ2 of 10

“then”

G1161

but, and, etc

πνεύματι3 of 10

“in the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

περιπατεῖτε4 of 10

“Walk”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

καὶ5 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπιθυμίαν6 of 10

“the lust”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

σαρκὸς7 of 10

“of the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

οὐ8 of 10
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ9 of 10
G3361

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

τελέσητε10 of 10

“fulfil”

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 5:24-25Romans 8:12-14Galatians 6:8Galatians 5:19-21Colossians 3:5-10Romans 8:4-5

Test Your Knowledge

Galatians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGalatians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Galatians 5 with CommentaryAll Galatians ChaptersComplete Galatians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes