Galatians 5:17

For these cravings of our earthly nature conflict with the Spirit, and the Spirit with our earthly nature – they are two contrary principles – so that you cannot do what you wish.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

For 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.

In Context

16This is what I have to say – Let your steps be guided by the Spirit, and then you will never gratify the cravings of your earthly nature.

18But, if you follow the guidance of the Spirit, you are not subject to Law.

Read all of Galatians 5

Cross References

Psalms 19:12Who can know their flaws? Absolve me from those I know not.

Psalms 51:10Create me a clean heart, O God, put a new steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 119:4You yourself have appointed your precepts to be kept with diligence.

Psalms 119:24Your charges are my delight, they are my counsellors.

Psalms 119:35Guide me in the path of your commandments, for therein do I delight.

Psalms 119:133Steady my steps by your word, so that sin have no power over me.

Matthew Henry on Galatians 5:14-26

Practical Godliness Enforced; Works of the Flesh and of the Spirit; The Fruits of the Spirit. ( a. d. 56.) 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Galatians 5:17