Bible Strands
Galatians 5:18
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian believers to resolve their internal conflict between fleshly cravings and spiritual impulses, defining the boundary between Mosaic law and Spirit-guided existence.
The words — ἄγεσθε (agesthe) denotes continuous guidance, while ὑπὸ νόμον (hupo nomon) literally places a person beneath the jurisdiction of the Law.
The thread — The text states that Spirit-led existence replaces legal subjugation, a theme that runs through Romans 6:14 and Romans 8:14 where grace and divine sonship replace law's mastery.
Why it lands — The text asserts that guidance by the Spirit removes a person from the Law's authority, requiring the reader to identify which power currently governs their actions rather than relying on external regulation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Cross-references
- Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
- Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
- Proverbs 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
- Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.
- Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
- Galatians 4:5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
- Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
- John 16:13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
- Romans 7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.
- Isaiah 48:16 Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.