King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:21 Mean?

Galatians 5:21 in the King James Version says “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in ti...” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

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,

23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul concludes the vice list with stern warning. "Envyings" (phthonoi, φθόνοι)—envy, spite, jealousy. "Murders" (phonoi, φόνοι)—killing. "Drunkenness" (methai, μέθαι)—intoxication, habitual drunkenness. "Revellings" (kōmoi, κῶμοι)—carousing, wild parties, orgies. "And such like" (kai ta homoia toutois)—and things similar to these. The list is representative, not exhaustive.

"Of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past" (ha prolegō hymin kathōs proeipon)—which I forewarn you, as I previously warned. Paul taught this during his initial ministry. "That they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes basileian theou ou klēronomēsousin). Present participle "do" (prassontes) suggests habitual practice, lifestyle. Not sinless perfection required but directional life. Habitually practicing these works evidences unregenerate heart. True believers struggle with remaining sin but don't contentedly practice these works as lifestyle. This warns against false assurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's warning echoes Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23), James (James 2:14-26), and John (1 John 3:4-10): profession without transformation indicates false faith. This challenged easy-believism and cheap grace then and now. Justification by faith alone doesn't mean faith that remains alone—true faith produces Spirit-fruit, not flesh-works. Those habitually practicing vice-list behaviors without repentance give evidence of unregenerate hearts, regardless of profession. Pastoral application: comfort the afflicted (struggling believers burdened by remaining sin), afflict the comfortable (professing Christians contentedly living in sin).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between struggling with remaining sin versus habitually practicing works of the flesh as a lifestyle?
  2. What does it mean that those who 'do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God'—is this losing salvation or never having it?
  3. How should this warning affect both your assurance of salvation and your pursuit of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
φθόνοι1 of 23

“Envyings”

G5355

ill-will (as detraction), i.e., jealousy (spite)

φόνοι,2 of 23

“murders”

G5408

murder

μέθαι3 of 23

“drunkenness”

G3178

an intoxicant, i.e., (by implication) intoxication

κῶμοι4 of 23

“revellings”

G2970

a carousal (as if letting loose)

καὶ5 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

τὰ6 of 23
G3588

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

ὅμοια7 of 23

“like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

τούτοις8 of 23

“such”

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

ἃ9 of 23

“of the which”

G3739

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

προλέγω10 of 23

“I tell”

G4302

to say beforehand, i.e., predict, forewarn

ὑμῖν11 of 23

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καθὼς12 of 23

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ13 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

προεῖπον14 of 23

“I have”

G4277

to say already, to predict

ὅτι15 of 23

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ16 of 23
G3588

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

τὰ17 of 23
G3588

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

τοιαῦτα18 of 23

“such things”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

πράσσοντες19 of 23

“they which do”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

βασιλείαν20 of 23

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

θεοῦ21 of 23

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐ22 of 23

“not”

G3756

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

κληρονομήσουσιν23 of 23

“inherit”

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

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 5:21 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 5:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6:9-10Romans 8:13Romans 13:13Ephesians 5:5-61 Corinthians 5:11Ephesians 5:18

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