King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:17 Mean?

Galatians 5:17 in the King James Version says “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other:...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Galatians 5:17 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul describes the internal conflict. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit" (hē gar sarx epithymei kata tou pneumatos, ἡ γὰρ σὰρξ ἐπιθυμεῖ κατὰ τοῦ πνεύματος)—the flesh desires against the Spirit. "And the Spirit against the flesh" (to de pneuma kata tēs sarkos)—the Spirit desires against the flesh. Epithymeō means to desire intensely, crave. These two principles war against each other.

"And these are contrary the one to the other" (tauta gar allēlois antikeitai, ταῦτα γὰρ ἀλλήλοις ἀντίκειται)—they oppose, stand against each other. Antikeimai (ἀντίκειμαι) is military term: opposed forces in battle. "So that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (hina mē ha ean thelēte tauta poiēte)—so that you don't do whatever you want. The conflict means believers can't simply follow natural desires (flesh) nor achieve instant perfection (Spirit hasn't yet fully conquered flesh). This is Romans 7 struggle: believers experience real internal warfare between remaining sin and indwelling Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse sparked theological debate: does Paul describe pre-Christian experience, carnal Christians, or normal Christian life? Context favors the latter: all believers experience flesh-Spirit conflict until glorification. Entire sanctification (Wesleyan) and victorious life (Keswick) movements sought immediate resolution. Reformed theology acknowledges lifelong struggle, though with progressive Spirit-victory. Paul's point: the conflict itself proves you're Spirit-indwelt—unbelievers have no Spirit to oppose flesh. The battle rages, but Spirit increasingly triumphs as believers walk in Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you experience the internal conflict between flesh and Spirit in your daily Christian life?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing this struggle is normal Christian experience, not evidence of spiritual failure?
  3. How does walking in the Spirit give progressive victory in the flesh-Spirit conflict without achieving instant sinless perfection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἡ1 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 24

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

σαρκός3 of 24

“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

ἐπιθυμεῖ4 of 24

“lusteth”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

κατὰ5 of 24

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ6 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα7 of 24

“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

τὸ8 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ9 of 24

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

πνεῦμα10 of 24

“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

κατὰ11 of 24

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς12 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκός13 of 24

“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

ταῦτα14 of 24

“the things”

G5023

these things

δὲ15 of 24

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀντίκειται16 of 24

“are contrary”

G480

to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to

ἀλλήλοις17 of 24

“the one to the other”

G240

one another

ἵνα18 of 24

“so that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ19 of 24
G3361

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

ἃ20 of 24
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν21 of 24

“that ye would”

G302

whatsoever

θέλητε22 of 24
G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ταῦτα23 of 24

“the things”

G5023

these things

ποιῆτε24 of 24

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:13John 3:6Romans 8:5-8Matthew 26:41Psalms 119:20Ecclesiastes 7:20

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