King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:20 Mean?

Galatians 5:20 in the King James Version says “Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”

Galatians 5:20 · KJV

Context

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,

20

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

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.

22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Paul continues the vice list. Second category: religious sins. "Idolatry" (eidōlolatria, εἰδωλολατρία)—worship of false gods, idols. "Witchcraft" (pharmakeia, φαρμακεία)—sorcery, magic, drug-related occult practices. Pharmakeia involved potions, spells, occult manipulation. Third category: relational sins. "Hatred" (echthrai, ἔχθραι)—hostilities, enmities. "Variance" (eris, ἔρις)—strife, quarreling, discord.

"Emulations" (zēlos, ζῆλος)—jealousies, envying. "Wrath" (thymoi, θυμοί)—outbursts of anger, rage. "Strife" (eritheiai, ἐριθεῖαι)—selfish ambitions, factionalism. "Seditions" (dichostasiai, διχοστασίαι)—divisions, dissensions. "Heresies" (haireseis, αἱρέσεις)—sects, factions, divisive opinions. Notice how many are relational: the flesh produces community-destroying behaviors. Churches torn by anger, jealousy, factions, divisions manifest the flesh, not the Spirit. The Galatians' biting and devouring (5:15) evidenced fleshly control.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's list combines sexual, religious, and social sins—showing the flesh corrupts all life areas. Ancient world was plagued by these: pagan religion (idolatry), occult practices (witchcraft), social conflict (the remaining vices). Early church struggled with these carryovers from pagan culture. Paul warns: walking in the flesh produces these destructive behaviors. Contemporary application: Western post-Christian culture manifests similar works of the flesh—secularism's false gods, New Age occultism, toxic social media conflicts, political tribalism, church divisions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which works of the flesh from this list are most prevalent in your life or church community?
  2. How do you recognize when conflict, division, and faction in churches stem from the flesh rather than legitimate doctrinal concern?
  3. What contemporary idols and witchcraft (occult practices, astrology, New Age) parallel ancient paganism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
εἰδωλολατρεία1 of 9

“Idolatry”

G1495

image-worship (literally or figuratively)

φαρμακεία2 of 9

“witchcraft”

G5331

medication ("pharmacy"), i.e., (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively)

ἔχθραι3 of 9

“hatred”

G2189

hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition

ἔρεις,4 of 9

“variance”

G2054

a quarrel, i.e., (by implication) wrangling

ζῆλοι,5 of 9

“emulations”

G2205

properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or

θυμοί6 of 9

“wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

ἐριθείαι7 of 9

“strife”

G2052

properly, intrigue, i.e., (by implication) faction

διχοστασίαι8 of 9

“seditions”

G1370

disunion, i.e., (figuratively) dissension

αἱρέσεις9 of 9

“heresies”

G139

properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:19Revelation 21:8Titus 3:102 Corinthians 11:19Acts 8:9-111 Chronicles 10:13-14

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