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Galatians 5

Gal. 5:17 KJV (With Strong’s)

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17
For
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
t the flesh
sarx (Greek #4561)
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)
KJV usage: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
Pronounce: sarx
Origin: probably from the base of 4563
lusteth
epithumeo (Greek #1937)
to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise)
KJV usage: covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
Pronounce: ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o
Origin: from 1909 and 2372
against
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
the Spirit
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
pneuma (Greek #4151)
a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
, and
de (Greek #1161)
but, and, etc.
KJV usage: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Pronounce: deh
Origin: a primary particle (adversative or continuative)
the Spirit
pneuma (Greek #4151)
a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
against
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
the flesh
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
sarx (Greek #4561)
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)
KJV usage: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
Pronounce: sarx
Origin: probably from the base of 4563
: and
de (Greek #1161)
but, and, etc.
KJV usage: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Pronounce: deh
Origin: a primary particle (adversative or continuative)
these
tauta (Greek #5023)
these things
KJV usage: + afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.
Pronounce: tow'-tah
Origin: nominative or accusative case neuter plural of 3778
are contrary
antikeimai (Greek #480)
to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
KJV usage: adversary, be contrary, oppose.
Pronounce: an-tik'-i-mahee
Origin: from 473 and 2749
w the one to the other
allelon (Greek #240)
one another
KJV usage: each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with 3326 or 4314).
Pronounce: al-lay'-lone
Origin: Genitive plural from 243 reduplicated
: so that
hina (Greek #2443)
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
KJV usage: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare 3363.
Pronounce: hin'-ah
Origin: probably from the same as the former part of 1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare 3588)
y ye
poieo (Greek #4160)
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
KJV usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Pronounce: poy-eh'-o
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
cannot
me (Greek #3361)
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
KJV usage: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
Pronounce: may
Origin: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial)
do
poieo (Greek #4160)
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
KJV usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Pronounce: poy-eh'-o
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
the things
tauta (Greek #5023)
these things
KJV usage: + afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.
Pronounce: tow'-tah
Origin: nominative or accusative case neuter plural of 3778
that
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
ye would
an (Greek #302)
a primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty
KJV usage: (what-, where-, wither-, who-)soever. Usually unexpressed except by the subjunctive or potential mood. Also contracted for 1437.
Pronounce: an
thelo (Greek #2309)
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas 1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in
KJV usage: desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)).
Pronounce: thel'-o
Origin: or ἐθέλω (eth-el'-o), in certain tenses θελέω (thel-eh'-o), and ἐθελέω (eth-el-eh'-o), which are otherwise obsolete apparently strengthened from the alternate form of 138
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ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
t
Rom. 7:21‑23• 21I find then the law, for me wishing to practice the right, that the evil is present with me.
 22For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,
 23but I see a different law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members. (Rom. 7:21‑23)
w
Rom. 8:6‑7• 6For the mind of the flesh [is] death, and the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace;
 7because the mind of the flesh [is] enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, for indeed it cannot; (Rom. 8:6‑7)
y
Rom. 7:15,19• 15For what I work out I own not; for I do not what I will, but what I hate, this I practice.
 19for I practice not good which I will, but evil which I will not, this I do. (Rom. 7:15,19)

More on:

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Flesh,
Spirit

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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the flesh.
Psa. 19:12‑13•  (Psa. 19:12‑13)
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Psa. 51:1‑5,10‑12•  (Psa. 51:1‑5,10‑12)
;
Psa. 65:3•  (Psa. 65:3)
;
Psa. 119:5,20,24‑25,32,35,40,133,159•  (Psa. 119:5,20,24‑25,32,35,40,133,159)
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Psa. 119:176•  (Psa. 119:176)
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Eccl. 7:20•  (Eccl. 7:20)
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Isa. 6:5•  (Isa. 6:5)
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Matt. 16:17,23• 17{i}And Jesus answering said to him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed [it] to thee, but my Father who is in the heavens.{/i}
 23{i}But turning round, he said to Peter, Get away behind me, Satan; thou art an offence to me, for thy mind is not on the things that are of God, but on the things that are of men.{/i} (Matt. 16:17,23)
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Matt. 26:41• 41{i}Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] ready, but the flesh weak.{/i} (Matt. 26:41)
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John 3:6• 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6)
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Rom. 7:18,21‑25• 18For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, no good dwelleth; for to will is present with me, but to work out the right [is] not;
 21I find then the law, for me wishing to practice the right, that the evil is present with me.
 22For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,
 23but I see a different law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members.
 24Wretched man that I [am]! who shall deliver me out of this body of death?
 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I myself with the mind am serving God's law, but with the flesh sin's law. (Rom. 7:18,21‑25)
;
Rom. 8:5‑6,13• 5For those that are according to flesh mind the things of the flesh, but those according to Spirit the things of the Spirit.
 6For the mind of the flesh [is] death, and the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace;
 13for if ye live according to flesh, ye are about to die; but if by [the] Spirit ye mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Rom. 8:5‑6,13)
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James 4:5‑6• 5Or think ye that the scripture saith in vain? Doth the Spirit that took his dwelling in us long unto envy?
 6But he giveth more grace; wherefore he saith, God setteth himself against haughty [men], but giveth grace to lowly. (James 4:5‑6)
and these.
Gal. 3:21• 21[Is] therefore the law against the promises of God? Let it not be. For if there had been given a law which could quicken, in very truth by law would have been righteousness. (Gal. 3:21)
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Matt. 12:30• 30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Matt. 12:30)
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Rom. 7:7‑8,10‑14• 7What then shall we say? [Is] the law sin? Let it not be. Nay, I had not known sin unless by law; for lust also I had not been conscious of, unless the law had said, “Thou shalt not lust.”
 8But sin having taken occasion by the commandment wrought in me every lust; for apart from law sin is dead.
 10and the commandment that [was] unto life, this was found to me unto death.
 11For sin having taken a point of attack by the commandment deceived me and by it slew [me].
 12So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
 13Did then the good become death to me? Let it not be; but sin, that it might appear sin, working out death to me by the good, that sin might become excessively sinful by the commandment.
 14For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Rom. 7:7‑8,10‑14)
;
Rom. 8:5‑8• 5For those that are according to flesh mind the things of the flesh, but those according to Spirit the things of the Spirit.
 6For the mind of the flesh [is] death, and the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace;
 7because the mind of the flesh [is] enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, for indeed it cannot;
 8but those that are in flesh cannot please God. (Rom. 8:5‑8)
so.
Psa. 119:4‑6•  (Psa. 119:4‑6)
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Psa. 130:3•  (Psa. 130:3)
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Matt. 5:6• 6Blessed they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. (Matt. 5:6)
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Luke 22:33,46,54‑61• 33And he said to him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.
 46And he said to them, Why sleep ye? Rise up and pray that ye enter not into temptation.
 54And having apprehended him, they led and introduced [him] into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed afar off.
 55And having lit a fire in the midst of the court, and sat down together, Peter sat among them.
 56And a certain maid, having seen him sitting by the light fixed her eyes upon him and said, And this [man] was with him.
 57But he denied [him], saying, Woman, I do not know him.
 58And after a short while another seeing him, said, And thou art of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not.
 59And after the lapse of about one hour, another stoutly maintained, saying, In truth this [man] also was with him, for he is a Galilean too.
 60But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he was yet speaking, a cock crew.
 61And the Lord turned round and looked upon Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he said to him, Before [the] cock crows Today, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Luke 22:33,46,54‑61)
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Rom. 7:15‑23• 15For what I work out I own not; for I do not what I will, but what I hate, this I practice.
 16But if what I will not, this I practice, I consent to the law that [it is] right.
 17But now no longer am I working it out, but sin that dwelleth in me.
 18For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, no good dwelleth; for to will is present with me, but to work out the right [is] not;
 19for I practice not good which I will, but evil which I will not, this I do.
 20But if what I will not, this I practice, no longer am I working it out, but sin that dwelleth in me.
 21I find then the law, for me wishing to practice the right, that the evil is present with me.
 22For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man,
 23but I see a different law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members. (Rom. 7:15‑23)
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Phil. 3:12‑16• 12Not that I already received [it] or am already perfected; but I pursue if I may also lay hold, for that also I have been laid hold of by Christ.
 13Brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold;
 14but one thing(for-getting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before, I pursue goalward unto the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus.
 15As many therefore as [are] perfect, let us mind this. And if in anything ye are differently minded, this also will God reveal to you.
 16Nevertheless unto what we have attained, walk by the same, [mind the same]. (Phil. 3:12‑16)
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James 3:2• 2For in many things we all offend. If anyone offendeth not in word, he [is] a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. (James 3:2)
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1 John 1:8‑10• 8If we say that we have no sin, we mislead ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8‑10)
• The flesh strives to hinder us when we would walk according to the Spirit, and the Spirit resists the working of the flesh to prevent it from accomplishing its will. (“Galatians 5” by J.N. Darby)
• What gives power is the heart surrendering itself in everything, and thus set at liberty by Christ. I am perfectly delivered, and the measure of my deliverance is Christ, and Christ raised from the dead. This is Christianity; and when the soul thankfully accepts from God this blessed liberty, the Holy Ghost is given to and acts in the believer as a Spirit of peace and power; so that if there is the flesh lusting against the Spirit, the Spirit resists this, in order that (for such is the true meaning) they should not do the things that they would. (“Galatians 5” by W. Kelly)

J. N. Darby Translation

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17
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these things are opposed one to the other, that ye should not do those things which ye desire;

W. Kelly Translation

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17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these things are opposed one to another, that ye should not doa those things which ye would;

WK Translation Notes

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a
This, I believe, is what the Holy Spirit wrote and meant. "That ye cannot do" is positively wrong doctrine and bad translation. We are responsible never to sin, and the Spirit is in us to give adequate power to prevent it. The KJV here naturally means an excuse for sinning, one of the consequences of non-deliverance from law, on the opposite side being the presumptuous thought of perfection attainable here below, into one or the other of which all are apt to fall who know not the gospel by faith.