Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23, King James Version.
Fruit of the Spirit · Galatians 5:22–23
Crewneck · 7 colors
Price range: $36.95 through $39.95
Fruit of the Spirit · Galatians 5:22–23
Hoodie · 7 colors
Price range: $42.95 through $46.95
Fruit of the Spirit · Galatians 5:22–23
T-Shirt · 7 colors
Price range: $24.95 through $28.95
What does Galatians 5:22–23 mean?
The apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians to young churches struggling with legalism. False teachers had told these Christians that faith in Jesus was not enough, and that they needed to obey the Jewish ceremonial law to please God. In the fifth chapter, Paul explains that believers are called to live by the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh. He gives a clear list of the destructive habits of sinful human nature, and then offers this famous picture of what a Spirit-led life looks like.
What it means
Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” By calling these nine traits “the fruit of the Spirit,” Paul shows that Christian character is grown by God, not manufactured by human effort. The first traits cover our heart toward God and neighbors through “love, joy, peace,” and patient “longsuffering.” They continue with active kindness in “gentleness, goodness, faith.” Verse 23 finishes the portrait with “Meekness,” which is strength under God’s control rather than weakness, and “temperance,” the KJV word for self-control. When Paul concludes “against such there is no law,” he means you do not need a rulebook to restrict these virtues. A life guided by the Spirit naturally fulfills what God’s law wanted all along.
Living it out
In daily life, this passage serves as a healthy checkup for our hearts. When we feel anxious, harsh, or out of control, it is a signal to slow down and lean on the Holy Spirit in prayer. We ask God to grow His character in the way we speak to our families and treat coworkers. You can wear the full passage on our Fruit of the Spirit design, available on T-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks.
Frequently asked
Why does Paul say “fruit” instead of “fruits”? Fruit is singular here because all nine qualities belong together as one whole work of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the single character of Christ in a believer.
How does this passage relate to the law of Moses? In Galatians 5:14 and Romans 13:8-10, Paul explains that the entire law is fulfilled when we love our neighbor, which is the very first aspect of the Spirit’s fruit.