5:18a–b

But: In 5:17, the topic was both the flesh and the Spirit. In 5:18, the topic is only the Spirit. The Greek indicates this change with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But.

Some English versions do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it will not be necessary to translate this conjunction either.

if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law: In this verse, Paul stated a further benefit of following the Spirit. That benefit is freedom from the law.

The verb are led is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

when you are directed by God’s Spirit, you are not under ?the authority of? the law.

• Use an active verb. For example:

If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law. (Good News Translation)
-or-
if you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, the law has no control over you.

you are not under the law: This phrase refers to being obligated to follow/obey the law of Moses.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

you are not under ?the authority of? the law
-or-
you are not required to follow/obey the law ?of Moses?
-or-
the Law of Moses has no control over you (Contemporary English Version)

This phrase also occurs in 4:4c.

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