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.
Manifest - the hidden fleshly principle betrays itself palpably by its works: these leave no doubt whether men "are under the law" or not, as "the fruit of the Spirit" evidences that against it and its bearers "there is no law."
Which are these, х hatina (G3748)] - 'such as,' for instance, "adultery." So C G f g: omitted in 'Aleph (') A B, Vulgate.
Fornication - a heinous sin in the Christian view; an act indifferent in the pagan (Acts 15:20).
Lasciviousness, х aselgeia (G766)] - rather, 'wantonness,' petulant insolence: it may display itself in "lasciviousness," but not necessarily (Mark 7:21-22, where it is not associated with fleshly lusts) (Trench). "Works" (plural) are attributed to the "flesh," because they are not necessarily connected-nay, often mutually at variance-and are man's doings. There are four classes:
(1) Sensuality;
(2) Idolatry (1 Corinthians 8:7);
(3) Malice;
(4) Excesses (Winer).
But the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22) is singular; because, however manifold the results, they form one organic whole springing from the Spirit. The results of the flesh are not dignified by the name "fruit;" they are but works (Ephesians 5:9; Ephesians 5:11). He enumerates those fleshly works (committed against our neighhour, against God, and against ourselves) to which the Galatians were most prone (the Kelts have always contentions), and those manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit most needed by them (Galatians 5:13; Galatians 5:15). "The flesh" does not mean merely sensuality, as opposed to spirituality; for 'divisions' in the catalogue do not flow from sensuality. The identification of "the natural (Greek, animal-souled) man" with the "carnal" or fleshly man (1 Corinthians 2:14), shows that "the flesh" expresses human nature as estranged from God. It is proof of our fallen state how much richer every vocabulary is in words for sins than in those for graces. Paul enumerates seventeen (or sixteen: note above) "works of the flesh;" only nine manifestations of "the fruit of the Spirit" (cf. Ephesians 4:31).
Verse 20. Witchcraft - sorcery: prevalent in Asia (Acts 19:19: cf. Revelation 21:8).
Hatred - Greek, 'hatreds.'
Emulations, х zeeloi (G2206)]. So 'Aleph (') C f g, Vulgate. In B Delta, singular, 'jealousy:' for one's own advantage. "Envyings" (Galatians 5:21) are even without advantage to the person.
Wrath, х thumoi (G2372): plural] - 'bursts of passion.'
Strife - rather, 'cabals' х eritheiai (G2052), derived from erithos, 'a worker for hire'], hence, factious practices, party spirit.
Seditions, х dichostasiai (G1370)] - 'dissensions' as to secular matters, or religious matters also (1 Corinthians 3:3).
Heresies - as to sacred things (note, 1 Corinthians 11:19); self-constituted parties [from haireo, to choose]. A schism is a recent split in a congregation, from a difference in opinion, Heresy is a schism become inveterate (Augustine).
Verse 21. Tell you before - namely, before the event.
I have also told you in time past - beforehand х proeipon (G4277)], when I was with you.
You - who, though maintaining justification by the law, are careless about keeping it (Romans 2:21; Romans 2:23).
Such - `all such things' х ta (G3588) toiauta (G5108)].
Things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5).
Verse 22. Love - the first as well as the last of the band of graces (1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 2 Peter 1:7).
Joy (Philippians 4:4).
Peace - opposed to 'hatred,' 'variance' (Galatians 5:20).
Gentleness, х chreestotees (G5544)] - 'benignity,' 'kindness,' conciliatory to others; whereas 'goodness,' though ready to do good, has not necessarily such suavity of manner (Jerome).
Faith - `faithfulness:' opposed to 'heresies' (Bengel) (1 Corinthians 13:7). 'Love believeth all things: faith in God's promises, and loving trust toward men' (Ellicott). 'Trustfulness' (Conybeare). Verse 23. Meekness - submissiveness of spirit toward God and man (Ellicott).
Temperance, х engkrateia (G1466)] - self-restraint as to one's desires.
Against [all: toon (G3588 )] such - not persons, but things, as in Galatians 5:21.
No law - confirming Galatians 5:18 (1 Timothy 1:9-10). The law commands love (Galatians 5:14): so far from being "against such."