1
Τῇ ἐλευθερίᾳ ἡμᾶς Χριστὸς ἠλευθέρωσεν· στήκετε οὖν καὶ μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε.
For freedom Christ set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not be subjected again to a yoke of slavery.
The letter's pivot from argument to exhortation: a ringing declaration of accomplished freedom, then the inferential οὖν drawing the first command — stand, and refuse re-enslavement.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ΤῇtheDativearticle
ἐλευθερίᾳfor freedomDativedat. of purpose/advantage (fronted for emphasis)ἐλευθερία: 'freedom, liberty'; the theme-word of the chapter — not license but emancipation from the law's enslaving custody (4:1–11).
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object (fronted)
ΧριστὸςChristNominativesubjectΧριστός: 'Anointed,' Messiah; here the liberating agent — emphatic by position, the one who alone secures the freedom.
ἠλευθέρωσενset freeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐλευθερόωmain verb→ constative aorist (the decisive act)ἐλευθερόω: 'set free, liberate'; cognate with ἐλευθερία — a deliberate figura etymologica, 'for freedom he freed us.'
στήκετεstand firmPres Act Impv 2 Pl · στήκωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (settled stance)στήκω: 'stand firm, hold one's ground'; a later present built from the perfect ἕστηκα — military/steadfastness imagery (cf. Phil 1:27; 4:1).
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
πάλινagainadverb (repetition)πάλιν: 'again'; pointedly — to take on the law now would be a return to a bondage like the old pagan one (4:9).
ζυγῷto a yokeDativedat. of means/instrument (with ἐνέχεσθε)ζυγός: 'yoke'; a standard image for the law's burden (cf. Acts 15:10) — the apparatus of servitude.
δουλείαςof slaveryGenitiveattributive (descriptive) genitiveδουλεία: 'slavery, bondage'; the genitive defines the yoke — a yoke whose nature is slavery, the antithesis of ἐλευθερία.
ἐνέχεσθεbe subjected/held fastPres Pass Impv 2 Pl · ἐνέχωmain verb (prohibition)→ present prohibition (do not keep submitting)ἐνέχω: 'hold in, ensnare'; passive 'be held fast, be subject to' — to let oneself be caught again in the snare of bondage.
2
Ἴδε ἐγὼ Παῦλος λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐὰν περιτέμνησθε Χριστὸς ὑμᾶς οὐδὲν ὠφελήσει.
Look — I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.
Paul stakes his apostolic authority on a stark conditional: to accept circumcision as the law's gateway empties Christ of saving value. The emphatic 'I, Paul' makes it a personal pledge.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἼδεlookAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράω (frozen)attention-getting particleἴδε: 'see! look!'; an old imperative of εἶδον frozen into an interjection that arrests attention.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativeapposition to ἐγώΠαῦλος: the apostle's name placed in apposition for solemn personal weight — 'I, Paul myself, pledge this.'
λέγωsayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ instantaneous/performative presentλέγω: 'say, declare'; here a performative — the very utterance is the apostolic pronouncement.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
ἐὰνifconjunction (3rd-class condition)ἐάν: 'if (ever)'; with the subjunctive frames a real, contemplated possibility — the option the Galatians are weighing.
περιτέμνησθεyou receive circumcisionPres Pass Subj 2 Pl · περιτέμνωverb of the protasis→ present (general/iterative possibility)περιτέμνω: 'circumcise' (περί + τέμνω, 'cut around'); the passive marks their submitting to the rite as the law's badge of obligation.
ΧριστὸςChristNominativesubject of the apodosisΧριστός: emphatic by position — the all-sufficient Christ is precisely what would be forfeited.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of ὠφελήσει
οὐδὲνnothingAccusativeaccusative of respect / adverbial ('in no respect')οὐδείς: 'no one, nothing'; the adverbial neuter 'not at all' — a total negation of Christ's benefit.
ὠφελήσειwill benefitFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ὠφελέωmain verb of the apodosis→ predictive future (logical consequence)ὠφελέω: 'help, profit, benefit'; to add law to Christ is to render Christ profitless — an all-or-nothing logic.
3
μαρτύρομαι δὲ πάλιν παντὶ ἀνθρώπῳ περιτεμνομένῳ ὅτι ὀφειλέτης ἐστὶν ὅλον τὸν νόμον ποιῆσαι.
I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is obligated to do the whole law.
A second, more sweeping witness: circumcision is not an optional addendum but enrollment as a debtor to the entire law — the package cannot be split.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
μαρτύρομαιI testifyPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · μαρτύρομαιmain verb→ performative present (solemn declaration)μαρτύρομαι: 'call to witness, solemnly affirm'; stronger than mere λέγω — an oath-like attestation.
δὲand/moreoverconnective conjunction (development)
πάλινagainadverb (repetition/reinforcement)πάλιν: 'again'; signals a renewed, intensified warning over the one just given.
παντὶto everyDativeattributive adjective
ἀνθρώπῳmanDativedat. of indirect object (to whom he testifies)ἄνθρωπος: 'person, man'; universalizing — no individual case is exempt from the principle.
περιτεμνομένῳwho receives circumcisionPres Pass Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · περιτέμνωattributive participle (modifies ἀνθρώπῳ)→ present (the act in view)περιτέμνω: 'circumcise'; the participle defines exactly which man — the one undergoing the rite as covenant obligation.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
ὀφειλέτηςa debtorNominativepredicate nominativeὀφειλέτης: 'debtor, one under obligation'; circumcision incurs a binding debt — the whole law becomes due.
ἐστὶνhe isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ gnomic/stative present
ὅλονwholeAccusativeattributive adjective (predicate position, intensive)ὅλος: 'whole, entire'; the emphasis falls here — not parts but the entire law, indivisibly.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
νόμονlawAccusativedirect object of ποιῆσαινόμος: 'law'; the Mosaic Torah as a unified, total obligation.
ποιῆσαιto doAor Act Inf · ποιέωepexegetical/complementary infinitive (of ὀφειλέτης)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, perform'; here the comprehensive keeping the law demands — an undertaking no one can complete (3:10).
4
κατηργήθητε ἀπὸ Χριστοῦ οἵτινες ἐν νόμῳ δικαιοῦσθε, τῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε.
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
The grim conclusion in two parallel clauses: to seek justification by law is to be cut off from Christ and to have dropped out of the realm of grace — the two are mutually exclusive.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
κατηργήθητεyou are severed/nullifiedAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · καταργέωmain verb→ dramatic/proleptic aorist (the result viewed as done)καταργέω: 'render ineffective, abolish, sever from'; with ἀπό, 'be separated/cut loose from' — the bond with Christ is dissolved.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)Χριστός: the one from whom the law-seeker is cut off — the very opposite of the desired security.
οἵτινεςyou whoNominativerelative pronoun (subject; qualitative 'such as')ὅστις: 'whoever, you who are of the kind that'; the qualitative relative classifies the offenders — all who pursue this path.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (means/sphere)
νόμῳlawDativedat. of means/sphere (basis of justification)νόμος: 'law'; the alleged but impossible ground of righteousness.
δικαιοῦσθεwould be justifiedPres Pass Indic 2 Pl · δικαιόωmain verb (rel. clause)→ conative present (attempting to be justified)δικαιόω: 'declare/make righteous, justify'; the present is conative — 'are trying to get justified,' a project doomed to fail.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
χάριτοςfrom graceGenitivegenitive of separation (with ἐξεπέσατε)χάρις: 'grace, favor'; the sphere of unmerited gift — its antithesis is law as a system of debt (v.3).
ἐξεπέσατεyou have fallen awayAor Act Indic 2 Pl · ἐκπίπτωmain verb (parallel to κατηργήθητε)→ dramatic aorist (decisive lapse)ἐκπίπτω: 'fall out of, drift off course' (used of a ship driven from its anchorage, Acts 27:17); to fall away from grace's mooring.
5
ἡμεῖς γὰρ πνεύματι ἐκ πίστεως ἐλπίδα δικαιοσύνης ἀπεκδεχόμεθα.
For we, by the Spirit, from faith, eagerly await the hope of righteousness.
The emphatic 'we' marks the true gospel stance against the law-seekers: our righteousness is Spirit-wrought, faith-derived, and awaited as hope — three prepositional flags planted against works.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun, contrastive)ἡμεῖς: the emphatic 'we' sets the Spirit-and-faith people over against the οἵτινες of v.4.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of means/agencyπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit as the agent/sphere of the believer's expectation — anticipating vv.16–25.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; ἐκ πίστεως — the Galatians watchword (2:16; 3:7–11), faith as the wellspring, not law.
ἐλπίδαhopeAccusativedirect object of ἀπεκδεχόμεθαἐλπίς: 'hope'; here the thing hoped for — the awaited verdict/state of righteousness, not yet fully realized.
δικαιοσύνηςof righteousnessGenitivegenitive (epexegetic / objective: the hope that is righteousness)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; the consummate acquittal awaited — present in faith, future in full hope.
ἀπεκδεχόμεθαwe eagerly awaitPres Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀπεκδέχομαιmain verb→ customary present (ongoing expectation)ἀπεκδέχομαι: 'await eagerly, expectantly' (double-prefixed ἀπό-ἐκ-δέχομαι); the strenuous, hopeful waiting of Rom 8:19, 23.
6
ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ πίστις δι' ἀγάπης ἐνεργουμένη.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
The deepest reason: in the sphere 'in Christ' the circumcision/uncircumcision axis is wholly powerless; the only operative reality is faith made active through love — the bridge to the love-ethic of vv.13–14.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of incorporation)Χριστός: 'in Christ' — the new-creation sphere where the old religious markers lose all force (cf. 6:15).
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
οὔτεneithercorrelative negative (οὔτε … οὔτε)
περιτομήcircumcisionNominativesubject of ἰσχύειπεριτομή: 'circumcision'; here the religious badge — abstract, the status, not the act.
τιanythingAccusativeaccusative of respect / inner object ('in any respect')τις: indefinite 'anything'; the neuter object underlines the total impotence of the marker.
ἰσχύειcounts/availsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἰσχύωmain verb→ gnomic present (abiding truth)ἰσχύω: 'be strong, have force, avail'; in the new sphere circumcision exerts no power for or against standing.
οὔτεnorcorrelative negative
ἀκροβυστίαuncircumcisionNominativesubject (coordinate with περιτομή)ἀκροβυστία: 'foreskin, uncircumcision'; the Gentile status — equally powerless; the antithesis cancels out.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
πίστιςfaithNominativesubject (the one thing that avails)πίστις: 'faith'; the sole operative reality — but faith characterized by love, not bare assent.
δι'throughpreposition + genitive (means/manner)
ἀγάπηςloveGenitiveobject of διά (means/channel)ἀγάπη: 'love'; the medium through which faith expresses itself — the touchstone of authentic faith (cf. v.14, vv.22).
ἐνεργουμένηworking/being activePres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · ἐνεργέωattributive participle (modifies πίστις)→ present (continuous activity)ἐνεργέω: 'be at work, be effective'; middle 'showing itself active' — faith that produces, energized in love (not 'made effective by,' but inherently operative).
7
Ἐτρέχετε καλῶς· τίς ὑμᾶς ἐνέκοψεν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ μὴ πείθεσθαι;
You were running well; who cut in on you so that you do not obey the truth?
An athletic image turned into rebuke and question: the Galatians' good progress was tripped up — Paul presses the 'who?' to expose the intruding agitators.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
Ἐτρέχετεyou were runningImpf Act Indic 2 Pl · τρέχωmain verb→ progressive imperfect (a course in progress)τρέχω: 'run'; the footrace metaphor for the Christian life (cf. 2:2; 1 Cor 9:24) — they were on a good pace.
καλῶςwelladverb of mannerκαλῶς: 'well, nobly'; their earlier course was commendable — making the interruption all the more grievous.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)τίς: 'who?'; a pointed, almost accusing question singling out the troublemaker(s).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of ἐνέκοψεν
ἐνέκοψενcut in / hinderedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγκόπτωmain verb→ constative aoristἐγκόπτω: 'cut into, impede' (a military term for breaking up a road to block pursuit); a runner cut off mid-race.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἀληθείᾳtruthDativedat. of object (of πείθεσθαι — 'obey the truth')ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the truth of the gospel (2:5, 14) — obedience to it is the race they were running.
μὴnotnegative (with infinitive)
πείθεσθαιto obeyPres Mid/Pass Inf · πείθωinfinitive of result/purpose ('so as not to obey')→ present (continued obedience)πείθω: act. 'persuade'; mid./pass. 'be persuaded, obey, trust'; here 'obey the truth' — the goal that was thwarted.
8
ἡ πεισμονὴ οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς.
This persuasion is not from the one who calls you.
A terse verbless denial: whatever 'persuasion' is winning them does not originate with God, who is the one continually calling — so it cannot be of the gospel.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
πεισμονὴpersuasionNominativesubject (verb 'is' implied)πεισμονή: 'persuasion, enticement' (cognate with πείθω of v.7, perhaps coined here); the pressure being applied to them.
οὐκnotnegative
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
καλοῦντοςwho callsPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · καλέωsubstantival participle (object of ἐκ; = God)→ present (ongoing call)καλέω: 'call'; ὁ καλῶν is a Pauline title for God the caller (1:6; 5:13) — the present marks his continual summons.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of καλοῦντος
9
μικρὰ ζύμη ὅλον τὸ φύραμα ζυμοῖ.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
A maxim (also at 1 Cor 5:6): the error is small in apparent scope but pervasive in effect — a little false teaching will permeate the whole community.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
μικρὰa littleNominativeattributive adjectiveμικρός: 'small, little'; the smallness is the point — a tiny portion, vast consequence.
ζύμηleavenNominativesubjectζύμη: 'leaven, yeast'; a stock image for pervasive influence, usually corrupting — here the agitators' teaching.
ὅλονwholeAccusativeattributive adjectiveὅλος: 'whole, entire'; echoes ὅλον τὸν νόμον (v.3) — totality again, now of the affected mass.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
φύραμαlump/batchAccusativedirect objectφύραμα: 'that which is mixed/kneaded,' a lump of dough; the community pictured as one batch.
ζυμοῖleavensPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ζυμόωmain verb→ gnomic present (proverbial truth)ζυμόω: 'leaven, ferment'; the gnomic present states a law of nature applied to the spread of error.
10
ἐγὼ πέποιθα εἰς ὑμᾶς ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι οὐδὲν ἄλλο φρονήσετε· ὁ δὲ ταράσσων ὑμᾶς βαστάσει τὸ κρίμα, ὅστις ἐὰν ᾖ.
I am confident about you in the Lord that you will think nothing otherwise; but the one troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.
A two-sided turn: warm confidence that the readers will not finally defect, set against a stern certainty that the agitator — anyone at all — will carry his own condemnation.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
πέποιθαI am confidentPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · πείθωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled confidence)πείθω: perfect πέποιθα = 'I have come to trust, I am confident'; a stative perfect with present force, again the πειθ- root of vv.7–8.
εἰςabout/towardpreposition + accusative (reference/direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (basis of confidence)κύριος: 'Lord'; the confidence is grounded not in the Galatians' resolve but in the Lord's keeping.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
οὐδὲνnothingAccusativedirect object of φρονήσετε
ἄλλοotherwise/otherAccusativeattributive (with οὐδὲν: 'nothing different')ἄλλος: 'other, different'; 'no other view' than Paul's gospel.
φρονήσετεyou will thinkFut Act Indic 2 Pl · φρονέωmain verb (content clause)→ predictive futureφρονέω: 'set the mind, be disposed'; the whole bent of thought — confidence they will hold the gospel view.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ταράσσωνtroublingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ταράσσωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (ongoing disturbance)ταράσσω: 'agitate, throw into confusion' (cf. 1:7); the troubler of the church's peace.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of ταράσσων
βαστάσειwill bearFut Act Indic 3 Sg · βαστάζωmain verb→ predictive future (certain judgment)βαστάζω: 'bear, carry'; he will shoulder his sentence himself — accountability is personal (cf. 6:5).
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κρίμαjudgmentAccusativedirect object of βαστάσεικρίμα: 'judgment, condemnatory sentence'; the verdict due his offense.
ὅστιςwhoeverNominativeindefinite relative (subject of ᾖ)ὅστις: 'whoever'; with ἐάν, fully generalizing — rank or reputation gives no immunity.
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizing, with relative)
ᾖhe may bePres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of indefinite relative clause→ present subjunctive (indefinite)
11
ἐγὼ δέ, ἀδελφοί, εἰ περιτομὴν ἔτι κηρύσσω, τί ἔτι διώκομαι; ἄρα κατήργηται τὸ σκάνδαλον τοῦ σταυροῦ.
But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
Paul rebuts a slander that he still endorses circumcision: were it so, the persecution he suffers would be inexplicable, and the cross's offense — its scandal — would have evaporated. His suffering proves his gospel.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic, contrastive)
δέbutadversative conjunction
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the affectionate address softening the polemic and reasserting kinship.
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition, for argument's sake)εἰ: 'if'; assumed true for the sake of argument — 'if (as they allege) I preach circumcision.'
περιτομὴνcircumcisionAccusativedirect object of κηρύσσωπεριτομή: 'circumcision'; here as a message preached — the very thing he opposes.
ἔτιstilladverb of time (continuation)ἔτι: 'still, yet'; perhaps glancing at his pre-conversion zeal — were he still that man.
κηρύσσωI preachPres Act Indic 1 Sg · κηρύσσωverb of protasis→ customary presentκηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald'; the verb of public preaching — the supposed content being circumcision.
τίwhyAccusativeinterrogative (adverbial accusative, 'why')τίς: neuter 'why?'; the rhetorical question exposing the absurdity of the charge.
ἔτιstilladverb of time
διώκομαιam I persecutedPres Pass Indic 1 Sg · διώκωmain verb (apodosis question)→ present (ongoing experience)διώκω: 'pursue, persecute'; his ongoing persecution by Judaizers proves he does not preach their message.
ἄραthen/in that caseinferential particle (drawing the consequence)ἄρα: 'so, consequently'; introduces the absurd corollary of the hypothesis.
κατήργηταιhas been abolishedPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · καταργέωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled, supposed result)καταργέω: 'nullify, render void' (same verb as v.4); were the charge true, the cross's scandal would stand permanently abolished.
τὸtheNominativearticle
σκάνδαλονoffense/stumbling-blockNominativesubject of κατήργηταισκάνδαλον: 'trap-stick, stumbling-block, offense'; the cross as the thing that scandalizes — free grace without law-merit (cf. 1 Cor 1:23).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σταυροῦcrossGenitivegenitive (source/epexegetic: the offense that is the cross)σταυρός: 'cross'; the crucified Messiah — folly to Greeks, scandal to Jews, and the heart of Paul's preaching.
12
ὄφελον καὶ ἀποκόψονται οἱ ἀναστατοῦντες ὑμᾶς.
Would that those who are unsettling you would even castrate themselves!
A caustic climax: with biting irony Paul wishes that the circumcision-zealots would not stop at cutting but go all the way and emasculate themselves — sardonic exasperation at agitators who disrupt the church.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
ὄφελονwould thatparticle introducing an unattainable wishὄφελον: a fixed particle (from ὀφείλω) introducing a wish — 'O that, I wish that'; here pungent.
καὶevenadverbial/ascensive ('even, go so far as')καί: ascensive 'even'; pushes the irony to its extreme — beyond circumcision to mutilation.
ἀποκόψονταιthey would castrate themselvesFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀποκόπτωmain verb (in wish construction)→ future (volitive, in the wish)ἀποκόπτω: 'cut off'; middle 'cut oneself off, emasculate' — biting wordplay on περιτέμνω, perhaps evoking the self-castrating priests of Cybele in Galatia.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀναστατοῦντεςwho are unsettlingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀναστατόωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (ongoing agitation)ἀναστατόω: 'upset, throw into turmoil, incite to revolt' (cf. Acts 17:6); stronger than ταράσσω — these are insurrectionists of the soul.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of ἀναστατοῦντες
13
Ὑμεῖς γὰρ ἐπ' ἐλευθερίᾳ ἐκλήθητε, ἀδελφοί· μόνον μὴ τὴν ἐλευθερίαν εἰς ἀφορμὴν τῇ σαρκί, ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης δουλεύετε ἀλλήλοις.
For you were called to freedom, brothers; only do not use the freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The pivot to the love-ethic: the calling itself is to freedom (echoing v.1), but Paul fences it at once — freedom is not a launchpad for the flesh; its true exercise is loving servitude to one another.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ὙμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ὑμεῖς: emphatic — 'you, for your part,' the called community over against the agitators of v.12.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐπ'to/forpreposition + dative (purpose/basis)ἐπί: with dative 'on the basis of, for the purpose of'; here the goal of the call.
ἐλευθερίᾳfreedomDativedat. of purpose (object of ἐπί)ἐλευθερία: 'freedom'; the chapter's keyword recurs — the very purpose of God's call (cf. v.1).
ἐκλήθητεyou were calledAor Pass Indic 2 Pl · καλέωmain verb→ constative aorist (the call as event)καλέω: 'call'; the divine effectual call (1:6; v.8) — the passive marks God as the unnamed caller.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; warm address framing the exhortation.
μόνονonlyadverb (limiting/qualifying)μόνον: 'only'; introduces the one qualification on freedom — a guardrail, not a retraction.
μὴnotnegative (elliptical: 'do not use')
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐλευθερίανfreedomAccusativedirect object (of implied verb 'turn/use')ἐλευθερία: 'freedom'; now the thing not to be abused.
εἰςas/intopreposition + accusative (result/purpose)
ἀφορμὴνan opportunityAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose/result)ἀφορμή: 'starting-point, base of operations, pretext'; a military term — freedom turned into a bridgehead for the flesh (cf. Rom 7:8).
τῇfor theDativearticle
σαρκίfleshDativedat. of advantage (the flesh's interest)σάρξ: 'flesh'; here the ethical sense — fallen human nature with its self-serving impulses, the antagonist of the Spirit (vv.16–24).
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἀγάπηςloveGenitiveobject of διά (means)ἀγάπη: 'love'; the means by which freedom serves — the same love through which faith works (v.6).
δουλεύετεservePres Act Impv 2 Pl · δουλεύωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (habitual practice)δουλεύω: 'serve as a slave'; the paradox — freedom expressed as voluntary slavery (cf. ζυγῷ δουλείας, v.1), now glad and mutual.
ἀλλήλοιςone anotherDativedat. of indirect object (reciprocal pronoun)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the reciprocal — mutual servanthood within the body.
14
ὁ γὰρ πᾶς νόμος ἐν ἑνὶ λόγῳ πεπλήρωται, ἐν τῷ· Ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν.
For the whole law has been fulfilled in one word, in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
The basis for love-service: the entire law finds its fulfillment summed up in one command (Lev 19:18). Strikingly, the law Paul refuses as a means of justification he affirms as fulfilled by love.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὁtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πᾶςwholeNominativeattributive adjective (predicate position, 'the whole')πᾶς: 'all, whole'; ὁ πᾶς νόμος = 'the law in its entirety' — the totality theme (vv.3, 9) turned positive.
νόμοςlawNominativesubjectνόμος: 'law'; the Mosaic Torah, whose ethical demand love discharges.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/means)
ἑνὶoneDativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; the singular precept that gathers up the many.
λόγῳword/sayingDativedat. of sphere (the locus of fulfillment)λόγος: 'word, statement'; here a single utterance/maxim that encapsulates the law.
πεπλήρωταιhas been fulfilledPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · πληρόωmain verb→ consummative/resultative perfectπληρόω: 'fill, fulfill, bring to completion'; the perfect — the law's whole demand stands satisfied in this one command (cf. Rom 13:8–10).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (epexegetic)
τῷthisDativearticle (introduces the quotation as substantive)
Ἀγαπήσειςyou shall loveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (LXX quotation; future for imperative)→ imperatival future (legislative)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; the volitional future of LXX Lev 19:18 used as command — love willed and enacted, the heart of the law.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πλησίονneighborAccusativedirect object (indeclinable used substantivally)πλησίον: adv. 'near,' here substantival 'neighbor'; the fellow human one is bound to love.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ὡςascomparative particle (standard of measure)
σεαυτόνyourselfAccusativereflexive pronoun (object of comparison)σεαυτοῦ: 'yourself'; the measure of neighbor-love — the self's instinctive care turned outward.
15
εἰ δὲ ἀλλήλους δάκνετε καὶ κατεσθίετε, βλέπετε μὴ ὑπ' ἀλλήλων ἀναλωθῆτε.
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
The dark alternative to love-service: a community that bites and devours is on a path to mutual destruction — bestial imagery for the strife the agitators have stirred.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition, real)εἰ: 'if'; assumes the biting is in fact happening among them.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativedirect object (reciprocal pronoun)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the same reciprocal as v.13, now turned destructive.
δάκνετεyou bitePres Act Indic 2 Pl · δάκνωverb of protasis→ present (ongoing behavior)δάκνω: 'bite'; of animals — and metaphorically of wounding speech and conduct.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κατεσθίετεdevourPres Act Indic 2 Pl · κατεσθίωverb of protasis (coordinate)→ present (ongoing behavior)κατεσθίω: 'eat up, devour' (κατά intensive); escalation from biting to consuming — beasts at one another.
βλέπετεwatch outPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (imperative of apodosis)→ customary present (be on guard)βλέπω: 'see, look'; here 'beware, take care' + μή — a warning to watch the trajectory.
μὴlestnegative conjunction (clause of apprehension)
ὑπ'bypreposition + genitive (agency)
ἀλλήλωνone anotherGenitiveobject of ὑπό (agent; reciprocal pronoun)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the agents of the feared destruction are themselves.
ἀναλωθῆτεyou are consumedAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · ἀναλίσκωverb of the μή-clause (apprehension)→ ingressive/constative aorist (the dreaded outcome)ἀναλίσκω: 'consume, use up, destroy' (as fire consumes); the terminal point of mutual devouring — annihilation of the body.
16
Λέγω δέ, πνεύματι περιπατεῖτε καὶ ἐπιθυμίαν σαρκὸς οὐ μὴ τελέσητε.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
The chapter's controlling exhortation: the one imperative — walk by the Spirit — carries an emphatic promise (the double negative οὐ μή) that the flesh's craving will not be brought to completion. The Spirit is the answer to vv.13–15.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ΛέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (introductory)→ performative presentλέγω: 'say'; 'now I mean this' — introducing the positive solution after the warning.
δέbut/nowtransitional conjunction (development)
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of means/rule (fronted for emphasis)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit as the agent and norm of conduct — the governing dative of the whole passage.
περιπατεῖτεwalkPres Act Impv 2 Pl · περιπατέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (continual manner of life)περιπατέω: 'walk about'; the Hebraic metaphor (hālak) for the conduct of life — habitual, directed living.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (result: 'and so')
ἐπιθυμίανdesireAccusativedirect object of τελέσητεἐπιθυμία: 'strong desire, craving, lust'; here the flesh's compulsive appetite (cf. vv.19–21).
σαρκὸςof the fleshGenitivesubjective/possessive genitiveσάρξ: 'flesh'; the craving belongs to and arises from fallen nature.
οὐnotnegative (part of emphatic οὐ μή)
μὴby no meansnegative (emphatic οὐ μή + subjunctive)οὐ μή: the strongest Greek negation — 'you will certainly not'; an emphatic promissory denial.
τελέσητεyou will carry outAor Act Subj 2 Pl · τελέωsubjunctive of emphatic negation (future sense)→ constative aorist (with οὐ μή = strong future denial)τελέω: 'complete, bring to fulfillment, carry out'; the flesh may crave, but Spirit-walking keeps the craving from reaching consummation in act.
17
ἡ γὰρ σὰρξ ἐπιθυμεῖ κατὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα κατὰ τῆς σαρκός· ταῦτα γὰρ ἀλλήλοις ἀντίκειται, ἵνα μὴ ἃ ἐὰν θέλητε ταῦτα ποιῆτε.
For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are opposed to one another, so that you do not do the very things you would.
Why Spirit-walking checks the flesh: flesh and Spirit are locked in mutual antagonism, two contrary cravings, so that the believer cannot simply do whatever the will inclines to — the inner war that makes the Spirit's lead decisive.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
σὰρξfleshNominativesubjectσάρξ: 'flesh'; here personified as an active principle with its own appetite.
ἐπιθυμεῖdesiresPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιθυμέωmain verb→ customary present (constant craving)ἐπιθυμέω: 'desire, long for, lust' (cognate with ἐπιθυμία, v.16); the flesh's ceaseless impulse.
κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (opposition)κατά: with genitive 'against, contrary to'; the hostile direction of the craving.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitiveobject of κατά (opposition)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the divine counter-principle the flesh resists.
τὸtheNominativearticle
δὲandconnective conjunction (parallel)
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubject (verb ἐπιθυμεῖ implied)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; in turn opposing the flesh — the antagonism is mutual.
κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (opposition)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
σαρκόςfleshGenitiveobject of κατά (opposition)σάρξ: 'flesh'; now the Spirit's target.
ταῦταtheseNominativesubject (demonstrative, neut. pl.)οὗτος: 'these (two)'; flesh and Spirit taken together.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἀλλήλοιςto one anotherDativedat. of object (with ἀντίκειται; reciprocal)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the two principles set over against each other.
ἀντίκειταιare opposedPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀντίκειμαιmain verb (neut. pl. subject, sg. verb)→ stative present (settled antagonism)ἀντίκειμαι: 'lie opposite, be opposed, be hostile' (ἀντί + κεῖμαι); fixed mutual enmity.
ἵναso thatconjunction (result/purpose clause)ἵνα: 'so that'; here likely result — the practical upshot of the conflict.
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)
ἃthe things whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of θέλητε)
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizing with relative)
θέλητεyou would/willPres Act Subj 2 Pl · θέλωverb of indefinite relative clause→ present subjunctive (general willing)θέλω: 'will, wish, want'; the impulses of the will, pulled in opposite directions by the two principles.
ταῦταthese (very) thingsAccusativeresumptive demonstrative (object of ποιῆτε)οὗτος: 'these'; resumes the relative ἅ for emphasis — 'these very things.'
ποιῆτεyou doPres Act Subj 2 Pl · ποιέωverb of ἵνα-clause→ present subjunctive (ongoing doing)ποιέω: 'do, practice'; the conflict frustrates a simple, unhindered following of the will's every inclination.
18
εἰ δὲ πνεύματι ἄγεσθε, οὐκ ἐστὲ ὑπὸ νόμον.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The freedom-thread rejoins the Spirit-thread: to be led by the Spirit is to stand outside the law's jurisdiction — the Spirit, not the law, governs the liberated life.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition, real)εἰ: 'if'; assumed true — 'since you are being led.'
δὲbut/nowtransitional conjunction
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of agency/means (fronted)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the leading agent — the same governing dative as v.16.
ἄγεσθεyou are ledPres Pass Indic 2 Pl · ἄγωverb of protasis→ present (ongoing leading)ἄγω: 'lead, guide'; the passive marks the Spirit's active direction of the believer (cf. Rom 8:14).
οὐκnotnegative
ἐστὲyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (apodosis)→ stative present
ὑπὸunderpreposition + accusative (subjection)ὑπό: with accusative 'under (the authority of)'; the law's domain one has left (cf. 3:23; 4:4–5).
νόμονlawAccusativeobject of ὑπό (subjection)νόμος: 'law'; not under its custodial regime — yet not lawless, for the Spirit produces what the law sought (vv.22–23).
19
φανερὰ δέ ἐστιν τὰ ἔργα τῆς σαρκός, ἅτινά ἐστιν πορνεία, ἀκαθαρσία, ἀσέλγεια,
Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery,
The flesh's output is exposed as 'manifest' — needing no hidden detection. The vice-list opens with the sexual sins, the first cluster of a fourfold catalogue running through v.21.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
φανερὰobvious/manifestNominativepredicate adjective (fronted)φανερός: 'visible, evident, plain'; the flesh's works advertise themselves — in contrast to faith's hidden working through love (v.6).
δέnowtransitional conjunction
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (sg. with neut. pl. subject)→ gnomic present
τὰtheNominativearticle
ἔργαworksNominativesubjectἔργον: 'work, deed'; the plural 'works' — many, fragmented, self-produced — contrasts deliberately with the singular 'fruit' of v.22.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
σαρκόςfleshGenitivesubjective/possessive genitive (source)σάρξ: 'flesh'; the producing principle whose deeds these are.
ἅτινάwhichNominativequalitative relative pronoun (subject)ὅστις: 'which (of such a kind)'; introduces the illustrative list — representative, not exhaustive (cf. 'and things like these,' v.21).
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (rel. clause)→ gnomic present
πορνείαsexual immoralityNominativepredicate nominative (list item)πορνεία: 'fornication, sexual immorality'; the comprehensive term for illicit sexual conduct.
ἀκαθαρσίαimpurityNominativepredicate nominative (list item)ἀκαθαρσία: 'uncleanness, impurity' (α-privative + καθαρός); moral, often sexual, defilement.
ἀσέλγειαdebaucheryNominativepredicate nominative (list item)ἀσέλγεια: 'licentiousness, debauchery'; shameless excess that flaunts decency without restraint.
20
εἰδωλολατρία, φαρμακεία, ἔχθραι, ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθεῖαι, διχοστασίαι, αἱρέσεις,
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,
The list moves from religious sins (idolatry, sorcery) into the largest cluster — the social/relational vices that fracture community, the very strife the agitators provoked (v.15).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εἰδωλολατρίαidolatryNominativepredicate nominative (list item)εἰδωλολατρία: 'idol-worship' (εἴδωλον + λατρεία); service rendered to false gods.
φαρμακείαsorceryNominativepredicate nominative (list item)φαρμακεία: 'use of drugs, magic, sorcery' (whence 'pharmacy'); occult practice often tied to potions and spells.
ἔχθραιenmitiesNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)ἔχθρα: 'hostility, enmity'; the plural — repeated acts/states of hatred.
ἔριςstrifeNominativepredicate nominative (list item)ἔρις: 'strife, contention, quarreling'; rivalry that breeds dispute.
ζῆλοςjealousyNominativepredicate nominative (list item)ζῆλος: 'zeal, jealousy'; here the bad sense — resentful envy of another's good.
θυμοίoutbursts of angerNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)θυμός: 'passion, rage'; the plural denotes repeated flares of temper, not settled wrath (ὀργή).
ἐριθεῖαιselfish ambitionsNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)ἐριθεία: 'selfish ambition, partisanship' (orig. of a hireling working for pay); self-seeking that builds a faction.
διχοστασίαιdissensionsNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)διχοστασία: 'division, dissension' (διχα- 'in two' + στάσις); the splitting of a group into camps.
αἱρέσειςfactionsNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)αἵρεσις: 'choice, party, sect' (whence 'heresy'); hardened parties — the institutionalizing of division.
21
φθόνοι, μέθαι, κῶμοι, καὶ τὰ ὅμοια τούτοις, ἃ προλέγω ὑμῖν καθὼς προεῖπον ὅτι οἱ τὰ τοιαῦτα πράσσοντες βασιλείαν θεοῦ οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν.
envyings, drunkenness, carousings, and things like these — about which I warn you, as I warned before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The final cluster (excess) closes the open-ended list ('and things like these'), then delivers the solemn, already-given verdict: a life characterized by such practice forfeits the inheritance of God's kingdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
φθόνοιenvyingsNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)φθόνος: 'envy, ill-will'; grudging resentment of another's good — note the assonant pairing with φόνοι ('murders') read by some witnesses.
μέθαιdrunkennessNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)μέθη: 'drunkenness'; the plural — bouts of intoxication.
κῶμοιcarousingsNominativepredicate nominative (list item, plural)κῶμος: 'revel, carousing'; orig. a festal procession (esp. Dionysiac), then a drunken nocturnal orgy.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰthe thingsNominativearticle (substantival)
ὅμοιαlikeNominativepredicate adjective (substantival: 'things similar')ὅμοιος: 'like, similar'; the list is openly representative — the flesh's repertoire is not exhausted here.
τούτοιςto theseDativedat. of association (with ὅμοια)οὗτος: 'these'; the named vices as the reference-set.
ἃabout whichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative of reference)
προλέγωI forewarnPres Act Indic 1 Sg · προλέγωmain verb→ present (the warning now given)προλέγω: 'tell beforehand, forewarn' (προ- + λέγω); a solemn advance caution.
ὑμῖνyouDativedat. of indirect object
καθὼςascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as'; aligns the present warning with a prior one given in person.
προεῖπονI warned beforeAor Act Indic 1 Sg · προλέγω/προεῖπονmain verb (comparison clause)→ constative aorist (the earlier warning)προεῖπον: 'said beforehand' (aorist suppletive of προλέγω); recalls warnings given on a previous visit.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of the warning)
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
τοιαῦταsuch thingsAccusativedemonstrative adjective (object of πράσσοντες)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind'; the catalogued vices as a settled pattern of life.
πράσσοντεςpracticingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πράσσωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (habitual practice)πράσσω: 'do, practice'; the present participle marks habitual, characteristic conduct — not a single lapse but a way of life.
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativedirect object of κληρονομήσουσινβασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign'; the eschatological inheritance of God's people.
θεοῦof GodGenitivepossessive/subjective genitiveθεός: God; the kingdom is his — its inheritance his to grant or withhold.
οὐnotnegative
κληρονομήσουσινwill inheritFut Act Indic 3 Pl · κληρονομέωmain verb (content clause)→ predictive future (the verdict)κληρονομέω: 'inherit, obtain by lot'; the inheritance language of Abrahamic promise (3:18, 29) — forfeited by a flesh-ruled life.
22
ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη, χαρά, εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία, χρηστότης, ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
The decisive contrast: not 'works' (plural, manufactured) but 'fruit' (singular, organically grown). Love heads the list as the root of the rest (v.6, v.14); seven facets here, two more in v.23.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ὁtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunction (sharp contrast)
καρπὸςfruitNominativesubjectκαρπός: 'fruit'; the singular is theologically weighted — one organic harvest of the Spirit, not a list of human achievements (ἔργα, v.19).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πνεύματόςSpiritGenitivegenitive of source/productionπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Spirit is the source that grows the fruit — these are his produce, not the law's.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ gnomic present
ἀγάπηloveNominativepredicate nominative (first facet)ἀγάπη: 'love'; first and chief — the self-giving love that fulfills the law (v.14) and channels faith (v.6).
χαράjoyNominativepredicate nominative (facet)χαρά: 'joy'; gladness rooted in God, not circumstance (cf. χάρις, grace — the same root).
εἰρήνηpeaceNominativepredicate nominative (facet)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; the Hebrew šālôm — wholeness and concord, the antidote to the strife of vv.15, 20.
μακροθυμίαpatienceNominativepredicate nominative (facet)μακροθυμία: 'long-suffering, patience' (μακρός 'long' + θυμός 'temper'); slowness to anger — opposite of θυμοί (v.20).
χρηστότηςkindnessNominativepredicate nominative (facet)χρηστότης: 'kindness, benignity'; gracious usefulness toward others, the disposition of God himself (Rom 2:4).
ἀγαθωσύνηgoodnessNominativepredicate nominative (facet)ἀγαθωσύνη: 'goodness'; active moral excellence and generosity — uprightness expressed in beneficence.
πίστιςfaithfulnessNominativepredicate nominative (facet)πίστις: here 'faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness' (not 'faith' as a doctrine); fidelity in dealings with others.
23
πραΰτης, ἐγκράτεια· κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος.
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The last two facets complete the ninefold fruit, then a quiet, almost ironic clincher: no law stands against such qualities — the Spirit produces precisely what the law could only command. So the Spirit-led are 'not under law' (v.18) yet fully fulfill it (v.14).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
πραΰτηςgentlenessNominativepredicate nominative (facet)πραΰτης: 'gentleness, meekness'; strength under control, the temper that does not retaliate (cf. 6:1; Matt 5:5).
ἐγκράτειαself-controlNominativepredicate nominative (facet)ἐγκράτεια: 'self-mastery, self-control' (ἐν + κράτος, 'holding power within'); the rein on appetite — opposite of the excess of v.21.
κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (opposition)κατά: with genitive 'against'; echoes the flesh-vs-Spirit κατά of v.17, now turned to the law's relation to the fruit.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
τοιούτωνsuch thingsGenitiveobject of κατά (the qualities just named)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind'; the nine facets of the fruit — or such persons; the neuter is most likely.
οὐκno/notnegative
ἔστινthere isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ gnomic present
νόμοςlawNominativesubject (of existential ἔστιν)νόμος: 'law'; no statute condemns these virtues — a litotes affirming that the Spirit fulfills the law's whole aim.
24
οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τὴν σάρκα ἐσταύρωσαν σὺν τοῖς παθήμασιν καὶ ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
The ground beneath the ethic: belonging to Christ means the flesh, with all its passions and cravings, has already been crucified — the believer's settled, accomplished break with the flesh's reign (cf. 2:20; 6:14).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes the genitive phrase)
δὲand/nowconnective conjunction (development)
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive of possession (οἱ τοῦ Χριστοῦ = 'those of Christ')Χριστός: 'Christ'; 'those who are Christ's' — belonging to him by faith and Spirit.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to Χριστοῦ
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
σάρκαfleshAccusativedirect object of ἐσταύρωσανσάρξ: 'flesh'; the whole fallen self-principle — put to death in union with the crucified Christ.
ἐσταύρωσανthey crucifiedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · σταυρόωmain verb→ constative aorist (the decisive event)σταυρόω: 'crucify'; the aorist points to the once-for-all death — believers' identification with the cross (cf. σταυρός, v.11; 2:19; 6:14).
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
παθήμασινpassionsDativedat. of accompaniment (object of σύν)πάθημα: 'passion, suffering, strong feeling'; the flesh's driving emotions, crucified along with it.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ἐπιθυμίαιςdesiresDativedat. of accompaniment (object of σύν)ἐπιθυμία: 'craving, lust' (cf. v.16); the flesh's appetites — co-crucified, no longer the believer's master.
25
εἰ ζῶμεν πνεύματι, πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
The indicative-imperative logic of the gospel: granted that the Spirit is our life, let our conduct fall into line with him — being matched to doing. A neat chiasm of πνεύματι frames the appeal.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition, assumed true)εἰ: 'if'; 'since (as is the case) we live by the Spirit.'
ζῶμενwe livePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ζάωverb of protasis→ stative/customary present (settled condition)ζάω: 'live'; the believer's very life is sourced in the Spirit (cf. 2:20; 3:11).
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of means/cause (source of life)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the life-giving agent — the indicative on which the imperative rests.
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of rule/standard (fronted, emphatic)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; repeated and fronted — the Spirit as the line we are to march along.
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive: 'also, correspondingly')
στοιχῶμενlet us keep in stepPres Act Subj 1 Pl · στοιχέωhortatory subjunctive→ customary present (continual conformity)στοιχέω: 'be in line, walk in a row, keep step' (from στοῖχος, 'a rank/file'); military/orderly imagery — march in formation behind the Spirit, distinct from the general περιπατέω of v.16.
26
μὴ γινώμεθα κενόδοξοι, ἀλλήλους προκαλούμενοι, ἀλλήλοις φθονοῦντες.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
The keeping-in-step is fleshed out negatively: no vainglory, no provoking, no envying. The two participles name the social fallout of conceit — pointing ahead to the burden-bearing of 6:1–2.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
μὴnotnegative (with hortatory subjunctive)
γινώμεθαlet us becomePres Mid Subj 1 Pl · γίνομαιhortatory subjunctive (prohibition)→ customary present (do not be becoming)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; 'let us not turn into' — guarding against drift toward conceit.
κενόδοξοιconceitedNominativepredicate nominative (adjective)κενόδοξος: 'vainglorious, conceited' (κενός 'empty' + δόξα 'glory'); craving an empty, baseless esteem — the root of the strife that follows.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativedirect object of προκαλούμενοι (reciprocal)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the reciprocal now in a vicious mode.
προκαλούμενοιprovokingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προκαλέωadverbial participle (manner/result of conceit)→ present (ongoing)προκαλέω: middle 'challenge, provoke, call out'; goading others to rivalry — the conceited person's challenge to combat.
ἀλλήλοιςone anotherDativedat. of object of φθονοῦντες (reciprocal)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the object of mutual envy — the community turned inward against itself.
φθονοῦντεςenvyingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · φθονέωadverbial participle (manner/result of conceit)→ present (ongoing)φθονέω: 'envy, begrudge' (cognate with φθόνος, v.21); the conceited person resents the success of others — the flesh resurfacing among the freed.