For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

GALATIANS 5:17KJV
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Galatians 5:17 (KJV)

What does Galatians 5:17 mean?

Galatians 5:17 describes a conflict inside every believer: the natural human desires ("the flesh") are at odds with the desires of God's Spirit, and these two are so opposed that a person cannot simply do whatever they want. The verse highlights an ongoing tension between following selfish impulses and following God's leading.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Galatia, explaining why living a life led by the Spirit can feel like a struggle. The "flesh" here means more than just the body; it refers to human tendencies apart from God. Paul wants his readers to understand that this inner battle is normal for those trying to live by the Spirit, and it explains why doing what is right can sometimes feel difficult.

The Greek behind Galatians 5:17

  • σάρξ (sarx, "flesh"): This word is often understood as the whole set of human desires and tendencies apart from God, not just physical urges. Paul uses it to describe the part of a person that resists God's Spirit.
  • ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, "lusteth"): The Greek here means a strong desire or craving, not always sexual, but any deep longing. The word stresses how powerful the pull of the "flesh" can be.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "Spirit"): This refers to God's Spirit, which gives new desires and strength to live differently. The contrast is between what comes naturally and what comes from God.
  • ἀντίκειται (antikeitai, "contrary"): This word means to be set in opposition, like two sides in a struggle. Paul uses it to show that the flesh and the Spirit are not just different—they are actively working against each other.

Why Galatians 5:17 matters

  • Galatians 5:17 clears up the idea that spiritual struggle means failure; instead, Paul says this conflict is a normal part of Christian life.
  • The verse emphasizes that believers are not simply free to follow every impulse; real freedom comes with a new kind of struggle, as God's Spirit leads in a different direction than natural desires.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why Paul urges the Galatians to "walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16); the struggle he describes is the reason believers need God's help to live differently.

Where else these words appear

“contrary” Greek G480 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“lusteth” Greek G1937 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
  • 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

“other” Greek G240 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
  • Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

“cannot” Greek G3363 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
  • Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.