Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

GALATIANS 5:21KJV
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Galatians 5:21 (KJV)

What does Galatians 5:21 mean?

Galatians 5:21 warns that people who regularly practice things like envy, murder, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. The verse stresses that this is not a new warning, but something Paul has told the Galatians before.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Galatia, reminding them of the serious consequences of certain behaviors he has just listed. He is making it clear that living in ways that go against God's ways—what he calls "the works of the flesh"—shows a life not shaped by God's Spirit. This warning is part of a larger section where Paul contrasts these harmful behaviors with the "fruit of the Spirit" that should mark a believer's life.

The Greek behind Galatians 5:21

  • "Envyings" (φθόνοι, phthonoi) means a feeling of jealousy or resentment toward others' success or possessions. Paul includes this as a serious attitude, not just an action.
  • "Revellings" (κῶμοι, kōmoi) refers to wild parties or drunken celebrations. In the ancient world, this word often described rowdy feasts tied to pagan worship, showing that Paul is warning against more than just private behavior.
  • "Do" (πράσσοντες, prassontes) is a verb that means to practice or make a habit of. Paul is not talking about a single mistake but a pattern of living.
  • "Inherit" (κληρονομήσουσιν, klēronomēsousin) means to receive a share or portion, especially as an heir. Paul is saying those who live this way will not receive the blessings God promises to his people.

Why Galatians 5:21 matters

  • Galatians 5:21 clarifies that Paul is not just listing bad behaviors but is warning about a way of life that is incompatible with belonging to God's kingdom.
  • The verse shows that Paul is consistent—he has warned about these things before, underlining their seriousness for the Christian community.
  • By connecting these behaviors to inheriting the kingdom of God, Paul ties everyday actions and attitudes to eternal consequences, highlighting the importance of transformation in a believer's life.

Where else these words appear

“drunkenness” Greek G3178 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
  • Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

“revellings” Greek G2970 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
  • 1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

“tell” Greek G4302 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

“have” Greek G4277 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.