Galatians 5:17 nasb — For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one…

NASB

"For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."

— Galatians 5:17, NASB

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Galatians 5:17 in Other Translations

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KJV
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV
ASV
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. ”
American Standard Version · Read this chapter in ASV
WEB
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.”
World English Bible · Read this chapter in WEB
NET
“For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want.”
NET Bible · Read this chapter in NET
DRB
“For 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.”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB
BBE
“For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; because these are opposite the one to the other; so that you may not do the things which you have a mind to do.”
Bible in Basic English · Read this chapter in BBE
KJVA
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
King James Version with Apocrypha · Read this chapter in KJVA

Galatians 5 — Context

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

Galatians 5:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Galatians 5:17 say?

Galatians 5:17 in the NASB reads: “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”

Where is Galatians 5:17 in the Bible?

Galatians 5:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Galatians, chapter 5, verse 17.

Who wrote Galatians?

Galatians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 48–55.

What is the book of Galatians about?

Galatians is Paul's fierce defense of justification by faith alone against teachers who would add the Law to the gospel. He argues that the Cross plus anything is no gospel — and that the freedom of the sons of God is not a license to sin but a Spirit-led life of love.

What are the major themes of Galatians?

Galatians explores themes including Justification by Faith, Freedom, Spirit vs. Flesh, Christian Liberty. These themes shape the meaning and context of Galatians 5:17.

What translation should I read Galatians 5:17 in?

Galatians 5:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Galatians 5:17?

Galatians 5:17 reads (NASB): “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Galatians 5:17 nasb — For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one…

Read in Another Translation

Galatians 5:17 in Other Translations

Galatians 5 — Context

Galatians 5:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

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