Galatians 5:19

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

Galatians 5:19 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
The Message Bible (MSG)
19 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;
American Standard Version (ASV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
19 Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity,
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
19 What the sinful nature does is clear. It enjoys sexual sins, impure acts and wild living.

Galatians 5:19 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest
By "flesh" is meant corrupt nature, as before, and by the works of it, not only external acts of sin, but inward lusts; for such are here mentioned among its works, as "hatred", "wrath", "envyings" and both external and internal acts are so called, because they spring from the flesh, or corrupt nature, and are what that urges and solicits to, and are wrought thereby, and are what denominate and show men to be carnal: these are said to be "manifest"; not that they are all, and always publicly done, and are open to the sight of men; for they are works of darkness, and often done in secret, though they are always manifest to God the searcher of hearts, and will be brought to light in the day of judgment; but they are known to be sins in some measure by the light of nature, and especially by the law of God; and a clear case it is, that they are contrary to the Spirit, both to the Spirit of God, and to the principle of grace he forms in the heart; and that such who live in the commission of them are not led by him, nor are under the influence of his grace:

which are these;
though all are not mentioned, only some of the chief, by which judgment may be made of the rest:

adultery;
this is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and in the Alexandrian copy; it is a defilement of the marriage bed, and is the sin of uncleanness committed by two persons, one of which at least is in a married state, is condemned by the law of God and light of nature:

fornication;
which though by many of the Gentiles was reckoned no sin, or a very small one, stands here among the works of the flesh, that are manifest and to be avoided; it is the sin of uncleanness committed by persons in a single state;

uncleanness,
it is a general name for all unchastity, in thought, word, or action; and may here design more especially all unnatural lusts, as

sodomy,
self-pollution

lasciviousness;
or wantonness, all lustful dalliance, everything that leads on to acts of uncleanness, or attends them, as impure words, filthy gestures, and the like.

Galatians 5:19 In-Context

17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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Cross References 1

  • 1. S 1 Corinthians 6:18
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