King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:24 Mean?

Galatians 5:24 in the King James Version says “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. affections: or, passions” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 5:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Paul describes believers' relationship to the flesh. "And they that are Christ's" (hoi de tou Christou Iēsou, οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ)—those belonging to Christ Jesus. Believers are Christ's possession, bought with His blood. "Have crucified the flesh" (tēn sarka estaurōsan, τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν)—aorist tense indicates definitive past act. At conversion, believers crucified the flesh—not annihilation but decisive death-blow breaking its dominion.

"With the affections and lusts" (syn tois pathēmasin kai tais epithymiais, σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις)—with its passions and desires. Pathēma (πάθημα) is passion, suffering, emotion; epithymia (ἐπιθυμία) is desire, lust, craving. Crucifixion imagery: the flesh is dying (still struggles, still fights) but decisively defeated. Believers aren't sinless but the flesh's tyranny is broken. This is positional reality (accomplished at conversion) being worked out practically (progressive sanctification). Union with Christ in His crucifixion means the flesh is crucified too (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion was Rome's most shameful, agonizing execution—slow, public, humiliating death. Paul uses this graphic imagery for what happened to the flesh at conversion: it underwent death-sentence. The flesh isn't yet completely dead (resurrection/glorification will complete the process) but it's dying, mortally wounded, condemned. This "already but not yet" explains Christian experience: the flesh is crucified (positional) but still struggles (experiential). Believers must daily reckon the flesh dead (Romans 6:11) and walk in the Spirit (5:16), applying conversion's decisive victory in daily battles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that you've already crucified the flesh at conversion affect your daily battle with sin?
  2. What does it mean practically to have crucified the flesh's passions and desires while still experiencing temptation?
  3. How do you apply the positional reality (flesh crucified) to experiential reality (ongoing spiritual warfare)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ταῖς1 of 13

“they that are”

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῖς3 of 13

“they that are”

G3588

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

Χριστοῦ4 of 13

“Christ's”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ταῖς5 of 13

“they that are”

G3588

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

σάρκα6 of 13

“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

ἐσταύρωσαν7 of 13

“have crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

σὺν8 of 13

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ταῖς9 of 13

“they that are”

G3588

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

παθήμασιν10 of 13

“the affections”

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

καὶ11 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

ταῖς12 of 13

“they that are”

G3588

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

ἐπιθυμίαις13 of 13

“lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:6Romans 13:14Romans 8:13Galatians 5:16-18Romans 8:91 Peter 2:11

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