What does Galatians 5:20 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 5:20 lays out a list of behaviors that are considered "works of the flesh" by the Apostle Paul.

These works are in direct opposition to the "fruit of the Spirit," which Paul outlines in the subsequent verses.

The behaviors he lists here are considered sinful and destructive to the community of believers and one's relationship with God.

The verse is part of a larger discourse on Christian freedom and the struggle between living by the Spirit and succumbing to earthly desires.

Idolatry refers to worshiping other gods or idols; witchcraft involves occult practices; hatred signifies deep animosity; variance implies discord or contention; emulations are jealous ambitions; wrath is intense anger; strife denotes conflict or contention; seditions are acts inciting rebellion; and heresies describe beliefs that deviate from accepted doctrine.

Historical Context

The book of Galatians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey.

It is believed to have been written around 49 to 58 AD.

The early church in Galatia was facing challenges from Judaizers, individuals who were teaching that non-Jewish converts to Christianity had to follow certain Jewish laws and customs, including circumcision, to be saved.

Paul wrote to counter these teachings and to reinforce the message of justification by faith alone.

The practices listed in Galatians 5:20 may have been prevalent in the heavily Pagan-dominated region, influencing the new Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Galatians 5:20 reflects a contrast between a life lived according to the desires of the flesh versus a life led by the Spirit. Paul’s list warns against behaviors that damage community and personal piety.

Theologically, some interpret these actions as evidence of a life not surrendered to God, while others may see it as a call to sanctification, an ongoing process whereby believers move toward greater holiness.

Different denominations and theologians might emphasize the need for God's grace to overcome these works of the flesh, or discuss the role of human will in resisting such temptations.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a checklist of attitudes and behaviors to avoid.

It compels believers to self-reflect on their actions and intentions, encouraging a more compassionate, peaceful, and community-oriented way of life.

In practical terms, this could mean actively working against sentiments of hatred, practicing patience instead of expressing wrath, or seeking non-divisive means of resolving conflicts.

The verse advocates for personal and community transformation through the pursuit of virtues opposed to the listed vices.

Cross-References

• Romans 1:29-31 - "...Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, ..."
• 1 Corinthians 3:3 - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
• Ephesians 4:31 - "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:"
• James 3:14-16 - "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the words used in Galatians 5:20 have rich meanings:

• "Idolatry" (εἰδωλολατρία - eidōlolatria) refers to the worship of false gods or images.
• "Witchcraft" (φαρμακεία - pharmakeia) implies the use of sorcery or magic, often thought to involve drugs and potions.
• "Hatred" (ἔχθρα - echthra) indicates hostility or enmity toward others.
• "Variance" (ἐριθεία - eritheia) represents a selfish ambition or factionalism.
• "Emulations" (ζῆλος - zēlos) can be interpreted as jealousy or zeal, often in a negative sense.
• "Wrath" (θυμός - thymos) describes intense anger.
• "Strife" (ἐριθεία - eritheia) is similar to variance, again denoting contention or factionalism.
• "Seditions" (διχοστασία - dichostasia) are divisions or dissensions within a community.
• "Heresies" (αἵρεσις - hairesis) were choices or opinions diverging from established beliefs.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The behaviors listed in Galatians 5:20 can be contrasted with virtues upheld in various ancient mythologies and religions.

For example, Greco-Roman myths often celebrated the veneration of multiple gods, which conflicts with the Christian view of idolatry.

The practices of witchcraft or pharmakeia were prevalent in many ancient cultures as means to channel supernatural powers, while in Christianity, these are frowned upon in favor of trusting in the divine power of God.

Many religions and philosophies also promote community harmony, kindness, and self-control, which can be viewed as universal values that conflict with the divisive behaviors mentioned in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies in psychology and sociology may give insights into the negative effects of the behaviors listed in Galatians 5:20.

For example, research has shown that harboring feelings of hatred or engaging in strife can lead to social isolation, increased stress, and various mental health issues.

Meanwhile, creating cohesive social groups often requires the avoidance of seditions and heresies that can create fragmentation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentary on Galatians 5:20.

For instance, John Stott refers to these works of the flesh as manifestations of the self in its anti-God and anti-social attitudes.

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes how such vices destroy the comfort and peace of society.

Moreover, scholars tend to agree that the list is not exhaustive but indicative of the kinds of behaviors that are incompatible with a Spirit-led life.

Modern commentators may also highlight the cultural relevance of each behavior, noting how some of these practices have evolved in terms of societal perceptions and implications.