Galatians 5:19

← Galatians 5:18 Galatians 5:20 →

Galatians 5:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

American Standard Version ASV

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the works of the flesh are clear, which are these: evil desire, unclean things, wrong use of the senses,

Free Bible Version FBV

It's clear what the sinful human nature produces: sexual immorality, indecency, sensuality,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Moreouer the workes of the flesh are manifest, which are adulterie, fornication, vncleannes, wantonnes,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And manifest also are the works of the flesh, which are: Adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

World English Bible WEB

Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury,

Translation for Translators T4T

You already know how people think and act [PRS] because of their self-directed nature. These are some of the things that they do: People are sexually immoral. People commit unnatural sexual acts. People act indecently.

Plain English Version PEV

You see, everybody knows about the bad things that people do to make themselves feel good. They sleep with people that are not their own wives or husbands, and they do what married people do together. They think about dirty things, and then they do those bad things. They don’t try to control their bad thoughts.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Galatians 5:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Galatians 5:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK φανερα δε εστιν τα εργα της σαρκος ατινα εστιν μοιχεια πορνεια ακαθαρσια ασελγεια

φανερα phaneros G5318 clear Adj-NPN

δε de G1161 then Conj

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPN

εργα ergon G2041 work Noun-NPN

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

σαρκος sarx G4561 flesh Noun-GSF

ατινα hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NPN

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

μοιχεια moicheia G3430 adultery Noun-NSF

πορνεια porneia G4202 sexual sin Noun-NSF

ακαθαρσια akatharsia G167 impurity Noun-NSF

ασελγεια aselgeia G766 debauchery Noun-NSF

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Galatians 5:19

φανερα phaneros G5318 "clear" Adj-NPN

This word means clear or visible, and can be used to describe something that is apparent or obvious, like in Galatians 5:19 and 1 John 3:10. It can also mean to be publicly known or visible, as in Acts 4:16 and 1 Timothy 4:15.

Definition: φανερός, -ά, -όν (φαίνομαι) [in LXX: Deu.29:29 (28) (גָּלָה ni.), Pro.14:4, Sir.6:22, al. ;] open to sight, visible, manifest: Gal.5:19; before ἐν, Rom.1:19, 1Jn.3:10; with dative of person(s), Act.4:16 7:13, 1Ti.4:15; φ. γίνεσθαι (in LXX for בָּחַן ni., Gen.42:16), Mrk.6:14, Luk.8:17, 1Co.3:13 14:25; id. before ἐν, 1Co.11:19, Php.1:13; φ. ποιεῖν, Mat.12:16, Mrk.3:12; εἰς φ. ἐλθεῖν (cf. Bl., § 47, 2), Mrk.4:22, Luk.8:17; ἐν τῷ φ. (opposite to ἐν τ. κρυπτῷ), Rom.2:28.† SYN.: see: δῆλος (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: abroad, + appear, known, manifest, open (+ -ly), outward (+ -ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:13; Mark 3:12; Romans 1:19.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εργα ergon G2041 "work" Noun-NPN

This term refers to work, toil, or occupation, and can also imply an act or deed. In the Bible, it is used to describe various tasks and activities, such as Jesus' work on earth and the deeds of Christians.

Definition: ἔργον, -ου, τό (originally Ϝέργον, work), [very frequently in LXX, chiefly for מַשֶׂה, מְלָאכָה, also for עֲבֹדָה, פֹּעַל, etc. ;] __1. work, task, employment: Mrk.13:34, Jhn.4:34 17:4, Act.13:2, Php.1:22 2:30, 1Th.5:13, al.; of an enterprise or undertaking (Deu.15:10, Wis.2:12), Act.5:38. __2. a deed, action: Tit.1:16, Jas.1:25 . listing, from λόγος, Luk.24:19, Rom.15:18, 2Th.2:17, 1Jn.3:18; ἐν λόγοις κ. ἔ., Act.7:22; of acts of God, Jhn.9:3, Act.13:41" (LXX), Heb.4:10, Rev.15:3; of Christ, Mat.11:2; esp. in Jo, e.g. 5:20, 36 7:3 10:38 14:11, 12 15:24; in ethical sense, of human actions (AR, Eph., 190), bad or good, Mat.23:3, Luk.11:48, Jhn.3:20, 21 Jas.2:14ff. 3:13, Rev.2:5 3:8; τὸ ἔ., collectively, Gal.6:4, Jas.1:4, 1Pe.1:17, Rev.22:12; τὸ ἔ. τ. νόμου, Rom.2:15; ἔ. ἀγαθόν, Rom.2:7, Col.1:10, 2Th.2:17, Tit.1:16, al.; καλόν, Mat.26:10, Mrk.14:6; pl. (as frequently in cl.), Mat.5:16, 1Ti.5:10, 25 Heb.10:24; ἔ. πίστεως, 1Th.1:3, 2Th.1:11; ἔ. πονηρά, Col.1:21, 2Jo.11; νέκρα, Heb.6:1 9:14; ἄκαρπα, Eph.5:11; ἔ. ἀσεβείας, Ju 15; τ. σκότους, Rom.13:12, Eph.5:11; ἔ. νόμου, Rom.3:20, 28 Gal.2:16 3:2, 5 10. __3. that which is wrought or made, a work: 1Co.3:13-15; τ. χειρῶν, Act.7:41; of the works of God, Heb.1:10; γῆ κ. τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔ., 2Pe.3:10; τὸ ἔ. τ. θεοῦ, Rom.14:20. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 160 NT verses. KJV: deed, doing, labour, work See also: 1 Corinthians 3:13; John 3:20; 1 Peter 1:17.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

σαρκος sarx G4561 "flesh" Noun-GSF

Flesh refers to the physical body, like the meat of an animal or the human body, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:39 and Luke 24:39.

Definition: σάρξ, σαρκός, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for בָּשָׂר ;] flesh; __1. as in cl. generally, __(a) prop., of the soft substance of the animal body: 1Co.15:39, 2Co.12:7, Gal.6:13, al.; σ. καὶ αἷμα, 1Co.5:50; σ. καὶ ὀστέα, Luk.24:39; pl., of the flesh of many or parts of the flesh of one (cl.), Rev.17:16 19:18; φαγεῖν, Re, ll. with (cf. κατεσθίειν, 4Ki.9:36, al., and βιβρώσκειν, frequently in l.); metaphorically, Jas.5:3; mystically, φ. (τρώγειν) τὴν σ. τοῦ υἱοῦ τ. ἀνθρώπου, Jhn.6:52-56; __(b) Of the whole substance of the body, = σῶμα: Act.2:26 (LXX), 31, 2Co.12:7, Gal.4:14, Eph.5:29; μία σ., Mrk.10:8; εἰς σ. μίαν (Gen.2:24), Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, 1Co.6:16, Eph.5:31; hence, of the material as opposite to the immaterial part of man (cf. Lft., Notes, 88): opposite to πνεῦμα, 1Co.5:5, 2Co.7:1, Col.2:5, 1Pe.3:18, 4:6; to ψύχη, Act.2:31, Rec.; of the present life, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Rom.7:5, Gal.2:20, Php.1:22, 24 1Pe.4:2; of Christ's life on earth, αἱ ἡμέραι τ. σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ, Heb.5:7; of things pertaining to the body, ἐν (τῇ) σ., Gal.6:12, 13 Php.3:3, 4. __2. As in Heb. idiom, __(a) of a living creature: πᾶσα σ. (Heb. כָּל־בָּשָׂר; cf. Bl., §47, 9), Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, 1Pe.1:24; esp. of man and his mortality (Psa.55 (56):5, Sir.28:5, al.), Jhn.1:14; πᾶσα σ. (see supr.), Luk.3:6, Jhn.17:2, Act.2:17, ἐν σ., 1Jo.4:2, 1Ti.3:16; __(b) of natural origin and relationship (Gen.2:24, Isa.58:7, al.): τέκνα τῆς σ., Rom.9:8; κατὰ σάρκα, ib. 3, 5, 1Co.10:18, Gal.4:23, 29; ἡ σ. μου, Rom.11:14 (cf. Jdg.9:2, 2Ki.5:1, al.). __3. Of the physical nature as subject to sensation and desire (Plut.), __(a) without any ethical disparagement: Rom.7:18 13:14; opposite to πνεῦμα, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38; τ. θέλημα τῆς σ., Jhn.1:13; ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς σ., 1Jn.2:16; pl., 2Pe.2:18; παθεῖν σαρκί, 1Pe.4:1; __(b) in ethical sense, esp. in Pauline Epp., of the flesh as the seat and vehicle of sinful desires: opposite to νοῦς, Rom.7:25; to πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4-9, 12, 13, Gal.5:16, 17 19 6:8 (cf. DB, ii, 14f.; iv, 165f.; Cremer, 844ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 130 NT verses. KJV: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Galatians 6:12; 1 Peter 1:24.

ατινα hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NPN

This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.

Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

μοιχεια moicheia G3430 "adultery" Noun-NSF

Adultery refers to the act of cheating on one's spouse, as mentioned in John 8:3 and Matthew 15:19.

Definition: μοιχεία, -ας, ἡ (μοιχύω), [rn LXX: Hos.2:2 (נַאֲפוּף), Hos.4:2 (נָאַף), Jer.13:27 (נִאֻף), Wis.14:26 * ;] adultery: Jhn.8:3; pl. (see WM, 220; Bl., § 32, 6), Mat.15:19, Mrk.7:21,† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: adultery See also: Galatians 5:19; Mark 7:21; Matthew 15:19.

πορνεια porneia G4202 "sexual sin" Noun-NSF

Sexual sin includes actions like adultery, incest, and idolatry, as mentioned in Acts 15:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:1. It's about immoral behavior that goes against God's design for human relationships. The Bible clearly condemns such actions.

Definition: πορνεία, -ας, ἡ (πορνεύω), [in LXX for תַּזְנוּת and cogn. forms ;] fornication: Act.15:20, 29 21:25, 1Co.5:1 6:13 6:18, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:19, Eph.5:3, Col.3:5, 1Th.4:3 (Lft., Notes, 53), Rev.9:21; pl. (see WM, 220; Bl., § 32, 6), 1Co.7:2; disting. from μοιχεία, Mat.15:19, Mrk.7:21; = μοιχεία (Amos 8:17 Sir.23:23, al.), Mat.5:32 19:9. Metaphorical (of idolatry: Deu.23:2, Hos.1:2): Jhn.8:41 (Westc., in l), and so perh. (Thayer-Grimm, see word; but see Swete, in 11.), Rev.2:21 14:18 17:2, 4 18:3 19:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: fornication See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; John 8:41; Revelation 2:21.

ακαθαρσια akatharsia G167 "impurity" Noun-NSF

The Greek word for impurity refers to something being unclean, either physically or morally. In the New Testament, it appears in passages like Matthew 23:27 and Romans 1:24. This concept is also seen in 2 Corinthians 12:21 and Galatians 5:19.

Definition: ἀκαθαρσία, -ας, ἡ (ἀκάθαρτος), [in LXX chiefly for טֻמְאָה, טָמֵא ;] uncleanness, impurity, __(a) physical (MM, VGT, see word): Mat.23:27; __(b) moral: Rom.1:24 6:19, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:19, Eph.4:19 5:3, Col.3:5, 1Th.2:3 4:7. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: uncleanness See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:3; Ephesians 5:3; Romans 1:24.

ασελγεια aselgeia G766 "debauchery" Noun-NSF

Debauchery refers to licentiousness or wantonness, involving excessive and immoral behavior. It is mentioned in Mark 7:22, Galatians 5:19, and 1 Peter 4:3 as a vice to be avoided.

Definition: ἀσέλγεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀσελγής, licentious; see MM, see word), [in LXX: Wis.14:26, 3Ma.2:26 * ;] licentiousness, wantonness, excess: Mrk.7:22, Rom.13:13, 2Co.12:21, Gal.5:19 (Lft., in l), Eph.4:19, 1Pe.4:3, 2Pe.2:2 2:7 2:18, Ju 4.† SYN.: ἀσωτία, profligacy, prodigality (see Tr., Syn., § xvi; DB, iii, 46). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness See also: 1 Peter 4:3; Ephesians 4:19; Romans 13:13.

Study Notes — Galatians 5:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Galatians 5:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Galatians 5:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 5:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 5:19
Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 5:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 5:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 5:19
Cambridge Bible on Galatians 5:19
Barnes' Notes on Galatians 5:19
Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 5:19
Sermons on Galatians 5:19

Context — Walking by the Spirit

17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

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

20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 6:9–10	Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
2	Colossians 3:5–8	Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
3	Matthew 15:18–19	But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
4	1 Peter 4:2–4	Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
5	Revelation 21:8	But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
6	Ephesians 5:3–6	But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
7	Galatians 6:8	The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
8	Titus 3:3	For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
9	1 Corinthians 3:3	for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
10	Mark 7:21–23	For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”

Galatians 5:19 Summary

Galatians 5:19 lists some of the obvious acts of the flesh, which are the sinful things we do when we follow our own desires instead of God's will. These include things like sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery. As Christians, we are called to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh (Romans 8:13), and to produce the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). By walking in the Spirit and following God's word, we can have victory over the acts of the flesh and live a life that honors God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible mean by 'the acts of the flesh' in Galatians 5:19?

The 'acts of the flesh' refer to the sinful behaviors that come from following our own desires and not living according to God's will, as seen in Galatians 5:19-21 and supported by Romans 8:13, which tells us to put to death the deeds of the body.

Is it possible to completely avoid the acts of the flesh in this life?

While we will always struggle with sinful desires, as stated in Galatians 5:17, we can have victory over them by walking in the Spirit, as Galatians 5:16 and Romans 8:4 teach us.

How can I know if I am walking in the flesh or in the Spirit?

You can know by examining your actions and motivations, as 1 John 1:6-7 and Galatians 5:22-23 instruct, and seeing if they align with God's word and the fruit of the Spirit.

What is the difference between 'sexual immorality', 'impurity', and 'debauchery' in Galatians 5:19?

While these terms are related, 'sexual immorality' generally refers to any sexual sin, 'impurity' can refer to any kind of moral uncleanness, and 'debauchery' typically involves excessive or reckless behavior, often in a sexual or sensual context, as seen in Ephesians 5:3-5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have seen the 'acts of the flesh' manifest in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
How can I cultivate a deeper walk with the Holy Spirit to avoid the acts of the flesh?
In what ways can I replace the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in my daily life?
What role does self-examination and repentance play in overcoming the acts of the flesh?

Gill's Exposition on 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Confirming Galatians 5:18 by the contrariety between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Galatians 5:19

The works of the flesh; the products of the natural inclinations and propensions in the heart of man. Are manifest, which are these; he saith, these are manifest, the filthiness of them appears by the light of nature, by the checks of conscience men meet with for them; or else, it is manifest that these actions are not from the Spirit of God, (because of their contrariety to the Divine rule), but are from the corrupt part of man. These (he saith) are adultery, or the defiling of our neighbour’ s bed; fornication, which is the uncleanness of single persons each with other; and all other species of uncleanness, or unclean conjunctions: lasciviousness; whatsoever wanton carriage, gestures, or behaviour lead to these acts.

Trapp's Commentary on Galatians 5:19

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Ver. 19. Now the works of the flesh] Sinners are sore labourers; wicked men great workmen. Would they take but half that pains for heaven that they do for hell, they could not, likely, miss of it. The Hebrew and Greek words for sin import labour (Gnamal, πονηρια). Are manifest] φανερα, they lie above ground, and are condemned by the light of nature. Wicked men also hang out their sins to the sight of the sun, Isaiah 3:9, that they must needs be manifest even to a natural conscience; not so the fruits of the Spirit.

Ellicott's Commentary on Galatians 5:19

(19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest.—It needs no elaborate disquisition to show what is meant by fulfilling the lust of the flesh. The effects which the flesh produces are plain and obvious enough. The catalogue which follows is not drawn up on any exact scientific principle, but divides itself roughly under four heads: (1) sins of sensuality; (2) sins of superstition; (3) sins of temper; (4) excesses. It has been said that all our sinfulness may be resolved “into two elementary instincts: the instinct of self-preservation and the reproductive instinct.” The third class of sins—sins of temper—would be referred to the first of the heads; sins of sensuality and excess—the one immediately, the other more remotely—to the second. The sins of superstition mentioned are of a more secondary character, and arise out of intellectual errors. Adultery.—This word is omitted in the best MSS. Uncleanness, lasciviousness.—The first of these words signifies any kind of impurity, secret or open; the second flagrant breaches of public decency.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Galatians 5:19

Verse 19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest] By flesh we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul, no longer under the guidance of God's Spirit and right reason, but under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin; so that man is in a worse state than the brute: and so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men into all kinds of crimes; and among them the following, which are manifest-known to all, and most prevalent; and, though these are most solemnly forbidden by your law, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them, and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them. Adultery] μοιχεια. Illicit connection with a married person. This word is wanting in this place in the best MSS., versions, and fathers; the next term often comprehending both. Fornication] πορνεια. Illicit connection between single or unmarried persons; yet often signifying adultery also. Uncleanness] ακαθαπσια. Whatever is opposite to purity; probably meaning here, as in Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21, unnatural practices; sodomy, bestiality. Lasciviousness] ασελγεια. Whatever is contrary to chastity; all lewdness.

Cambridge Bible on Galatians 5:19

19–23. St Paul supplies a test whereby men may ascertain whether they are under the curse of the law or heirs of the promise.First, the Apostle gives a list of the works of the flesh—not complete but comprehensive—the commission of which excludes men from the inheritance. They cannot plead the promise. It is not for such as they. They shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Then follows, not an enumeration of the works of the Spirit, but a statement of its fruit. Vital Christianity is not a set of acts—a list of good deeds—it is a disposition of the heart—a character. If the tree is good, the fruit will be good; and by its effects ‘a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit’, Art. XII.19 … 21. A fourfold classification of the sins here mentioned has been suggested; (1) sins of sensuality; (2) sins connected with heathenism as a religion (idolatry and sorcery); (3) violations of the law of love, in feeling and in act; (4) sins of intemperance.which are these] ‘such as, for example.’ The catalogue does not pretend to be complete.adultery] Omitted in the best MSS. Jerome, after observing that in the Latin copies ‘adulteries’ and ‘murders’ are contained in St Paul’s catalogue, adds, ‘but it should be known that only fifteen works of the flesh are specified’. It is included in the general term ‘fornication’, which here denotes all improper relations between the sexes, married or single. (Matthew 5:32.)uncleanness] Impurity generally, but with special reference to those unnnatural vices to which many heathen were addicted.lasciviousness] Rather, ‘open, shameless profligacy’.

Barnes' Notes on Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh - What the flesh, or what corrupt and unrenewed human nature produces. Are manifest - Plain, well-known.

Whedon's Commentary on Galatians 5:19

19. Works of the flesh are manifest—Are made by God obvious to the human conscience; yet St. Paul gives them both to show the shape of the new Christian morality and to impress it upon the newly-converted Galatians.

Sermons on Galatians 5:19

	Sermon	Description
	Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday	Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em
	No Confidence in the Flesh by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the weakness of the flesh and the dangers of relying on one's own achievements. He uses the analogy of a bug climbing a window to illustrate
	Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday	This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and
	(Blood Covenant) 5 - the War Against the Covenant by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of setting aside worldly concerns and focusing on God. He encourages listeners to humble themselves before the Lord and ask H
	Cause/cure of the Drug Epidemic by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a personal experience with a demon popping out of the middle. He then transitions to discussing the importance of the five senses a
	Chapel of the Air - Revival in America? by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of receiving assurance from God during World War II. He explains that he has been researching and writing about revivals
	Are You a Living Epistle? by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a dilapidated house that was bought by a new owner. The new owner completely transformed the house, fixing the foundation and makin