But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

GALATIANS 5:22KJV
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Galatians 5:22 (KJV)

What does Galatians 5:22 mean?

Galatians 5:22 lists the qualities that come from living by the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, and faith. These are described as the “fruit” that naturally grows in someone’s life when guided by God’s Spirit, in contrast to harmful behaviors.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, warning them against following harmful desires and encouraging them to live by the Spirit. In this verse, Paul highlights the positive traits that show up in a person’s life when they are led by the Spirit, setting these apart from the negative actions he listed earlier in the chapter.

The Greek behind Galatians 5:22

  • καρπός (karpos, “fruit”): The Greek word for “fruit” here points to a single, unified result rather than separate, unrelated actions. Paul is picturing all these qualities as one collective outcome of the Spirit’s work.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, “Spirit”): This word means “Spirit” and refers specifically to God’s Spirit, not just a person’s attitude or mood. The qualities listed are not just good habits but are seen as coming from God’s presence.
  • μακροθυμία (makrothymia, “longsuffering”): This word is often understood as patience that endures hardship or provocation without giving up or retaliating, going beyond everyday patience.
  • πίστις (pistis, “faith”): In this context, “faith” can mean trustworthiness or faithfulness, not just belief, highlighting reliability and loyalty as part of the Spirit’s work.

Why Galatians 5:22 matters

  • Galatians 5:22 clarifies that these qualities are not achieved by human effort alone but are the natural result of living in step with God’s Spirit.
  • Paul’s use of “fruit” in the singular emphasizes that these traits are meant to grow together, not as separate goals, but as a unified character shaped by the Spirit.
  • This verse stands in contrast to the “works of the flesh” listed earlier, helping the reader see the difference between self-centered living and a life shaped by God’s influence.

Where else these words appear

“goodness” Greek G19 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
  • Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

“gentleness” Greek G5544 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

“longsuffering” Greek G3115 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  • Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
  • 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

“fruit” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.