5:17a
For: Verse 5:17 explains Paul’s command and statement in 5:16. The Greek introduces this explanation with a conjunction that that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For.
Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to use a conjunction here either.
the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the flesh craves is similar to the phrase in 5:16b that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “the desires of the flesh.” The difference is that here the word translated as craves is a verb in Greek. The entire clause means that our sinful human nature desires/wants what is against the Holy Spirit.
Some other ways to translate this clause are
What the evil heart/mind desires/wants is against ?what? the Spirit ?desires/wants?
-or-
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. (New Living Translation (2004))
the flesh: This is the same word as in 5:16b. You should translate it the same way.
See flesh, Meaning 5 in the Glossary.
5:17b
and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh: In this clause Paul focused on the Spirit’s desires. Just as the sinful nature is opposed to the Spirit, so also the Spirit is opposed to the sinful nature. Paul stated that following the Spirit and gratifying the desires of the sinful nature cannot occur together.
Some other ways to translate this clause are:
likewise what the Spirit desires/wants is against ?what? the evil mind/heart ?desires/wants?
-or-
And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. (New Living Translation (2004))
Since 5:17a and 5:17b are parallel statements, your translation should also have parallel statements.
flesh: This is the same word as in 5:16b and 5:17a. You should translate it in the same way.
See flesh, Meaning 5 in the Glossary.
5:17c
They are opposed to each other: The word They refers to the flesh and the Spirit. They are opposed to one another.
Some other ways to translate this clause are:
These two are against each other
-or-
The Spirit and the sinful flesh are hostile to each other
-or-
These two things are enemies of each other
-or-
These two disagree with each other
5:17d
so that: Verse 5:17d further explains 5:17a–c. The Greek introduces this explanation with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that.
Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either.
you do not do what you want: There are several ways to interpret the way this clause is connected to “they are opposed to each other” in 5:17c. The two main interpretations are:
(1) This clause expresses result. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other, and as a result, you cannot do the things you want. For example:
As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do. (God’s Word)
(2) This clause expresses purpose. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other so that you cannot do the things you want to do. For example:
to prevent you from doing what you would (Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), with the majority of English versions.
Some other ways to translate this clause are:
therefore, you cannot do the things that you want to do
-or-
and that is why you are not free to do what you want to do (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
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