King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:23 Mean?

Galatians 5:23 in the King James Version says “Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Galatians 5:23 · KJV

Context

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

25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Paul completes the fruit-list. "Meekness" (praytēs, πραΰτης)—gentleness, humility, considerateness, strength under control. Not weakness but controlled strength, like a broken horse. Jesus exemplified meekness (Matthew 11:29, 21:5). "Temperance" (enkrateia, ἐγκράτεια)—self-control, discipline, mastery over desires. The capstone: all other fruit requires self-control empowered by the Spirit.

"Against such there is no law" (kata tōn toioutōn ouk estin nomos, κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος)—law doesn't oppose these. This is brilliant conclusion: law forbids vice and commands virtue, but can't produce virtue. The Spirit produces what law commands but can't create. Those manifesting Spirit-fruit fulfill law's intent without being under law's jurisdiction. Law has no case against love, joy, peace, etc. Walking in the Spirit naturally accomplishes what law-keeping attempted but failed. This demolishes the Judaizers: why embrace law when the Spirit produces what law demanded?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Self-control (enkrateia) was prized in Greek philosophy as cardinal virtue achieved through discipline and willpower. Paul agrees it's essential but insists it's Spirit-produced, not self-generated. Meekness was despised in Greco-Roman honor-shame culture as weakness; Paul, following Jesus, exalts it as strength under divine control. This fruit-list is countercultural, valuing qualities the world despises (humility, gentleness, patience) and producing them supernaturally. The concluding phrase refutes legalism: Spirit-fruit fulfills law; law has no quarrel with Spirit-produced character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Spirit-produced self-control differ from mere willpower and self-discipline?
  2. What does biblical meekness—strength under control—look like in your relationships and circumstances?
  3. How does producing Spirit-fruit fulfill the law's intent while freeing you from law as operating principle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
πρᾳότης,1 of 8

“Meekness”

G4236

gentleness, by implication, humility

ἐγκράτεια·2 of 8

“temperance”

G1466

self-control (especially continence)

κατὰ3 of 8

“against”

G2596

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

τῶν4 of 8
G3588

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

τοιούτων5 of 8

“such”

G5108

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

οὐκ6 of 8

“no”

G3756

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

ἔστιν7 of 8

“there is”

G2076

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

νόμος8 of 8

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:9Acts 24:25Titus 2:2Titus 1:81 Corinthians 9:25

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