King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:26 Mean?

Galatians 5:26 in the King James Version says “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Galatians 5:26 · KJV

Context

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
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Paul addresses specific Spirit-walking applications. "Let us not be desirous of vain glory" (mē ginōmetha kenodoxoi, μὴ γινώμεθα κενόδοξοι)—let us not become conceited, vainglorious. Kenodoxos (κενόδοξος) combines kenos (empty) and doxa (glory)—empty glory, vain conceit, pride in worthless things. Present prohibition: stop doing this or don't start. The Galatian controversy apparently produced arrogant, conceited attitudes.

"Provoking one another" (allēlous prokaloumenoi, ἀλλήλους προκαλούμενοι)—challenging, irritating, inciting each other. Prokaleō means to call forth, provoke to conflict. "Envying one another" (allēlois phthonountes, ἀλλήλοις φθονοῦντες)—being jealous of each other. Spirit-walking produces humility, peace, contentment; flesh-walking produces pride, conflict, envy. The relational sins plaguing the Galatians evidenced flesh-control, not Spirit-control. Chapter 5 ends as it began: with call to freedom lived out in love and Spirit-power, not slavery to law or indulgence of flesh. Chapters 3-5 are theological; chapter 6 turns to practical application.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's vice lists (5:19-21) and this concluding warning reflect actual problems in the Galatian churches: pride, conflict, envy. Theological controversy over circumcision produced ugly relational fruit—proof they weren't walking in the Spirit despite claiming spiritual superiority. This pattern continues: doctrinal disputes can be prosecuted with fleshly pride, provoking, and envy rather than Spirit-fruit. Paul insists: how you contend for truth matters as much as what truth you contend for. Spirit-walking produces humble, peaceable, generous engagement even in necessary theological conflict.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you 'provoking' others—deliberately stirring up conflict, jealousy, or comparison—rather than building them up?
  2. Vain glory (κενόδοξος, empty reputation) seeks honor in worthless things—what empty achievements tempt you to boast?
  3. Why does Paul connect doctrinal firmness (earlier in Galatians) with humble interpersonal relations here—can truth and gentleness coexist?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
μὴ1 of 7

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γινώμεθα2 of 7

“Let us”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

κενόδοξοι3 of 7

“desirous of vain glory”

G2755

vainly glorifying, i.e., self-conceited

ἀλλήλοις4 of 7

“one another”

G240

one another

προκαλούμενοι5 of 7

“provoking”

G4292

to call forth to oneself (challenge), i.e., (by implication) to irritate

ἀλλήλοις6 of 7

“one another”

G240

one another

φθονοῦντες7 of 7

“envying”

G5354

to be jealous of

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 5:26 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 5:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 3:14-16Philippians 2:1-3James 4:161 Corinthians 3:7Luke 14:10Galatians 5:15

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