Bible Verse

Galatians 5:22-23

Paul is writing to churches in Galatia that are being influenced by false teachers who want to add Jewish law to the gospel of grace.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

— Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Go deeper with Radiate

Personalized wisdom, AI spiritual guides, and faith journaling.

Get the App

Other Translations

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

— ESV

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

— KJV

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Galatians 5 contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. After listing the works of the flesh (vv. 19-21), Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

Historical Background

Written around 49 AD, addressing the controversy over whether Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish law. Paul emphasizes that the Spirit, not law-keeping, transforms believers.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"But the fruit of the Spirit"

'Fruit' is singular—one fruit with multiple aspects, all from one source: the Holy Spirit. This isn't self-produced through effort but grown by the Spirit's work in us. Like fruit on a tree, it's natural evidence of spiritual life.

"is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"

These nine character qualities flow from God's nature. Love (agape) is foundational. Joy and peace are internal states. Forbearance (patience), kindness, and goodness govern relationships. Faithfulness is reliability and loyalty.

"gentleness and self-control"

Gentleness (meekness) is strength under control, humility. Self-control is mastery over desires and impulses. These complete the portrait of Spirit-filled character.

"Against such things there is no law"

Law doesn't produce this fruit, nor does it prohibit it. Living by the Spirit fulfills the intent of the law naturally. When the Spirit produces His fruit, we exceed law's requirements.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit's workSpiritual transformationCharacter developmentLife in the SpiritEvidence of salvation

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Examine your life for evidence of the Spirit's fruit rather than just religious activity.

  2. 2

    Yield to the Spirit's work in areas where fruit is lacking, rather than trying to manufacture it yourself.

  3. 3

    Recognize that spiritual growth is gradual like fruit ripening, requiring patience with yourself and others.

  4. 4

    Focus on abiding in Christ (John 15:5) as the means of producing fruit.

  5. 5

    Ask the Spirit to develop specific fruit in areas where you're weak.

Questions for Reflection

  • Which fruit of the Spirit is most evident in your life? Which is least developed?
  • Are you trying to produce spiritual fruit through your own effort or yielding to the Spirit?
  • How can you create more space for the Spirit to work in your life?
  • What relationship or situation currently requires you to display Spirit-produced fruit?

Related Scripture

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit."

Colossians 3:12-14

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

2 Peter 1:5-8

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control..."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Continue Exploring

Related Characters

Take this verse with you

Get daily personalized wisdom, reflect with AI guides, and journal your spiritual growth.

Download Radiate Free
Download Free