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Galatians 5:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 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.

Galatians 5:19-21 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Galatians 5:19

Theological / Devotional

Works of the flesh. That is, the deeds that result from the unrestricted operation of human passions, feelings, and desires. See on v. 16. Paul gives a partial list of these “works” in vs. 19-21.

Manifest. The following catalogue of sins is illustrative rather than exhaustive. Sensuality, superstition, selfishness, and intemperance are all represented. As the Galatians forsook the guidance of the Holy Spirit these evil fruits doubtless appeared in their lives.

Adultery. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for omitting this word. “Fornication,” that is, immorality in general, would, of course, include “adultery.”

Fornication. Or, “immorality” (see on Matt. 5:32).

Uncleanness. Or, “impurity” (see on 2 Cor. 12:21).

Lasciviousness. Or, “unbridled lust” (see on 2 Cor. 12:21).

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