King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:22 Mean?

Galatians 5:22 in the King James Version says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 5:22 · KJV

Holy SpiritLoveJoyPeaceFaith

Context

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.

24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. affections: or, passions

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Glorious contrast! "But the fruit of the Spirit" (ho de karpos tou pneumatos estin, ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν)—note singular "fruit" versus plural "works" of flesh. The Spirit produces unified, organic fruit, not mechanical works. This fruit is the Spirit's production in believers. "Love" (agapē, ἀγάπη)—self-giving love, the essence of God's nature (1 John 4:8). First and foundational: all other fruit flows from love. "Joy" (chara, χαρά)—gladness, delight, independent of circumstances.

"Peace" (eirēnē, εἰρήνη)—tranquility, harmony, wholeness, reconciliation with God and others. "Longsuffering" (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—patience, long-tempered forbearance, slowness to anger. "Gentleness" (chrēstotēs, χρηστότης)—kindness, benevolence, generosity. "Goodness" (agathōsynē, ἀγαθωσύνη)—moral excellence, uprightness, generosity. "Faith" (pistis, πίστις)—faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness (though could mean faith in God). Each quality reflects Christ's character. This is Spirit-produced Christ-likeness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This fruit-list contrasts sharply with the vice-list, showing the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit. Ancient moral philosophy (Stoicism, Epicureanism) sought these virtues through human effort and discipline. Paul insists they're supernaturally produced by the Spirit in those united to Christ. You can't manufacture this fruit through willpower or law-keeping—only the Spirit creates it. This is sanctification's progressive nature: the Spirit increasingly produces His fruit in believers who walk by faith. The fruit is evidence of genuine salvation and Spirit-presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which specific fruit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith—is most lacking in your current Spirit-walk?
  2. Paul lists nine virtues as singular 'fruit' not plural 'fruits'—why does the Spirit produce a unified character package rather than piecemeal virtues?
  3. Where are you trying to manufacture spiritual fruit through self-effort instead of walking in dependence on the Spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

καρπὸς3 of 13

“the fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

τοῦ4 of 13
G3588

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

πνεύματός5 of 13

“of 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

ἐστιν6 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀγάπη7 of 13

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

χαρά8 of 13

“joy”

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

εἰρήνη9 of 13

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

μακροθυμία10 of 13

“longsuffering”

G3115

longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude

χρηστότης11 of 13

“gentleness”

G5544

usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)

ἀγαθωσύνη12 of 13

“goodness”

G19

goodness, i.e., virtue or beneficence

πίστις13 of 13

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

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 5:22 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 5:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:12-171 Corinthians 13:4-7John 15:5James 3:17-18John 15:2Ephesians 5:9

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