5:21a

envy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as envy refers to bad feelings toward others because you want something they have. It is very close in meaning to the word above that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “jealousy.” In some languages, there may be only one word for these two Greek words.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

envying (NET Bible)
-or-
feeling envy (New Century Version)
-or-
people want the possessions of others

drunkenness, orgies: These words refer to drunken living. Such a person ignores his responsibilities to others.

drunkenness: The word drunkenness refers to drinking too much alcohol so that one is unable to think clearly.

Some ways to translate this word are:

being drunk (New Century Version)
-or-
get drunk (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
drinking too much alcohol

orgies: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as orgies refers to wild parties with much drinking in which many evil things occur. They often result in people committing sexual sins and other sins.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

carousing
-or-
having wild and wasteful parties (New Century Version)
-or-
evil celebrations

5:21b

and the like: The phrase and the like indicates that there are many more actions that come from the sinful nature. They are like the ones Paul listed. The Galatians would be able to recognize other “works of the flesh” not included in his list.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

and doing other things like these (New Century Version)
-or-
and do other evil things as well (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and many other sins like these
-or-
and similar things (NET Bible)

5:21c

I warn you, as I did before: The clause as I did before probably refers to some of Paul’s teaching when he was with them in person. The warning in this letter is not the first time that Paul has warned the Galatians about the consequences of doing the sins that he just listed.

Some other ways to translate these clauses are:

I am warning you, as I had warned you before (NET Bible)
-or-
I told you before, and I am telling you again (Contemporary English Version)

5:21d

that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God: The word inherit means “receive” something that has been promised. People who do the works of the flesh will not inherit/receive God’s kingdom. This means that they will not enter/live in God’s kingdom. They will not be citizens of the kingdom.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

those who do such things will not have a part/portion in the kingdom of God
-or-
those who do these things will not enter into God’s kingdom
-or-
that those who indulge in such things will never be included in God’s kingdom
-or-
no one who does these sins will live in God’s kingdom

kingdom of God: The phrase kingdom of God refers to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• As a noun. For example:

God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s chieftaincy
-or-
God’s government

• As a verbal expression:

God rules his people
-or-
God cares for his people as king

See also kingdom in the Glossary.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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