Bible Strands
Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches, issuing this command immediately after instructing them to walk in step with the Spirit. He speaks to the community collectively, warning against internal relational fractures.
The words — κενόδοξοι (kenodoxoi) denotes empty glory or conceit, while προκαλοῦμενοι (prokaloumenoi) describes provoking or challenging one another. φθονοῦντες (phthonountes) carries the literal sense of envying or begrudging.
The thread — The warning against conceit and envying aligns with the prohibition of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in James 3:14. Paul’s instruction also echoes the call to reject proud boasting found in James 4:16.
Why it lands — The text commands believers to actively avoid fostering conceit, provocation, and envy within the group. It requires readers to monitor their speech and attitudes to prevent communal division.
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
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Cross-references
- James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
- Philippians 2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
- James 4:16 As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.
- 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
- Luke 14:10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you.
- Galatians 5:15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”