But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Read it in contextWalk in the Spirit
Start reading at Galatians 5:13 (Galatians 5:13 to Galatians 5:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Liberty is directed toward serving in love, and the contrast between flesh and Spirit includes a warning about inheriting the kingdom.
5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:21Envyings, 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.
5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Walk in the Spirit. Read Galatians 5:13 through Galatians 5:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Liberty is directed toward serving in love, and the contrast between flesh and Spirit includes a warning about inheriting the kingdom. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:13 to Galatians 5:26).
Start reading at Galatians 5:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul warns that seeking justification through the law abandons the proper ground of confidence in Christ, urging the readers to resist the teaching troubling them.
Connection to the wholeLiberty is directed toward serving in love, and the contrast between flesh and Spirit includes a warning about inheriting the kingdom.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.