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Galatians 5:22 — "The Fruit of the Spirit"

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

GALATIANS 5:22
KJV

What Does Galatians 5:22 Mean?

Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit" to show what a life led by the Holy Spirit produces. The nine qualities — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — are not separate fruits but one unified fruit with multiple expressions. They are the natural outcome of living in step with the Spirit, not achieved by human effort alone.

Application: The fruit of the Spirit serves as both a guide and a diagnostic tool. It shows us what Christ-like character looks like and helps us evaluate our spiritual growth. These qualities develop over time as we yield to the Spirit's work in our lives.

Galatians 5:22 in Context

Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
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 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Showing context from the King James Version (KJV)

Galatians 5:22 in 4 Translations

KJV

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

— Galatians 5:22 (KJV)
BSB

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

— Galatians 5:22 (BSB)
WEB

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,”

— Galatians 5:22 (WEB)
ASV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

— Galatians 5:22 (ASV)

Related Topics

Fruits of the Holy Spirit Love Rest

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 9 fruits of the Spirit?

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Some translations group them slightly differently, but these nine qualities represent the character of Christ produced by the Holy Spirit in believers.

Is it "fruit" or "fruits" of the Spirit?

The Greek word is singular — "fruit" (karpos). This is intentional: the nine qualities are not separate fruits to pick and choose from, but one unified fruit with multiple expressions, all produced together by the Spirit.

How do you develop the fruit of the Spirit?

The fruit is not developed by self-effort but by abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5). As believers pray, study Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading, these qualities naturally grow over time.

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