Galatians 5:21

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 5:21 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the Galatian believers to contrast life according to the flesh with life by the Spirit. In this verse he concludes a list of sinful behaviors that characterize the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Meaning

Envyings are a strong desire to possess what belongs to another, often with resentment. Envy leads to strife, bitterness, and division, and reflects a lack of contentment and gratitude for what God has given.

Murders refers to intentionally taking a life, a grave sin that violates the sanctity of human life made in God’s image. It also includes harboring hatred and anger toward others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:21-22.

Drunkenness is the excessive consumption of alcohol or habitual intoxication. It impairs judgment, leads to foolish and sinful behavior, harms oneself and others, and reveals a lack of self-control.

Revellings are wild, unrestrained behaviors often associated with parties and feasts, indulging sensual pleasures without regard for moral boundaries or others’ well-being. Such behavior leads to moral degradation and distances people from God’s plan.

Paul says “and such like” to show the list is not exhaustive but representative of a broader category of sins. His warning is not about occasional failures but about a lifestyle of practicing these sins. The phrase “inherit the kingdom of God” indicates the kingdom is a promised inheritance, not earned by works, yet persistent, unrepentant practice of these sins shows one is not an heir.

Biblical connections

This warning is part of the larger contrast in Galatians 5:19-23 between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The verse does not teach that salvation is earned by good works, nor that believers can lose salvation, but it does teach that a life characterized by these sins is incompatible with inheriting God’s kingdom.

Application

Believers are called to examine their lives and rely on the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the flesh. The Christian response is not self-righteousness but repentance and faith, walking in the Spirit. The evidence of genuine faith is a transformed life marked by the fruit of the Spirit.

Reflection

Paul’s warning is sobering and meant to call believers to honest self-examination. It reminds us that while salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, a life continually marked by these sins contradicts the new nature the Spirit gives. We are invited to yield daily to the Spirit’s work, allowing Him to produce godly fruit in us.