Galatians – Chapter 5

New Testament • 26 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage." — so begins Galatians 5. Paul stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 26 verses, two threads run through the text: the work of the Spirit and love and charity. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage.

2Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

3And I testify again to every man circumcising himself that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

4You are made void of Christ, you who are justified in the law: you are fallen from grace.

5For we in spirit, by faith, wait for the hope of justice.

6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision: but faith that worketh by Charity.

7You did run well. What hath hindered you, that you should not obey the truth?

8This persuasion is not from him that calleth you.

9A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump.

10I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will not be of another mind: but he that troubleth you shall bear the judgment, whosoever he be.

11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the scandal of the cross made void.

12I would they were even cut off, who trouble you.

13For you, brethren, have been called unto liberty. Only make not liberty an occasion to the flesh: but by charity of the spirit serve one another.

14For all the law is fulfilled in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15But if you bite and devour one another: take heed you be not consumed one of another.

16I say then: Walk in the spirit: and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

17For the flesh lusteth against the spirit: and the spirit against the flesh: For these are contrary one to another: so that you do not the things that you would.

18But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.

19Now the works of the flesh are manifest: which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury,

20Idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects,

21Envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity,

23Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law.

24And they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences.

25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Important Verses in Galatians 5

“Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage.”

Galatians 5:1

“For we in spirit, by faith, wait for the hope of justice.”

Galatians 5:5

“Envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:21

“Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. ”

Galatians 5:26

Historical Context

Galatians addresses the churches of Galatia, tempted to trade the Gospel for legal observance within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 5 of 6 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 26 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Paul, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage." The chapter ends with: "Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. " The wider setting of Galatians is this: Written in white heat when agitators told Paul's Gentile converts they must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law to be saved. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 49-55.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 49-55

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage." The passage repeatedly touches on the work of the Holy Spirit.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of freedom in Christ and justification by faith. the Church teaches that faith works through love (CIC 1814). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 385).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.
  • ✓Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Paul1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Galatians Chapter 5 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Galatians Chapter 5. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 2105).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2559).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Galatians Chapter 5 about?

Galatians 5 contains 26 verses. It opens with "Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage." and closes with "Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Galatians 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Galatians Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions Paul.

Who wrote Galatians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 49-55.

Related Chapters

Acts 19Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Corinthians 16Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Timothy 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer to the Holy Spirit🙏Holy Spirit Novena🙏Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love🙏Litany of the Sacred Heart

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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