Paragraph 5:24–26

This paragraph is the conclusion to this section. In this paragraph, Paul reminded the Galatians that the works of the flesh have been crucified. So they should walk by the Spirit.

5:24a

Those who belong to Christ Jesus: This clause is similar in meaning to “those who are in Christ” and “you are led by the Spirit” (in 5:18a). All these clauses refer to believers.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Those who are of Christ Jesus
-or-
Those who are Christ Jesus’ ?people?
-or-
Those who are united with Jesus Christ

5:24b

have crucified the flesh: The clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as have crucified the flesh means “have put the human nature to death on a cross.”

This clause is a metaphor. In this metaphor, stopping the works of the flesh is compared to crucifying a person. They are similar in that both end certain actions. Believers no longer live dominated by the sinful nature.

Some ways to translate this clause are:

• Keep the metaphor of crucifixion. For example:

have nailed the sinful nature to the cross

• Keep the part of the metaphor about killing the flesh. For example:

have put to death the corrupt nature
-or-
we have killed our selfish feelings (Contemporary English Version)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

?it is as if? they have crucified their sinful nature
-or-

?have stopped doing what their sinful self wants. It’s as if? they have nailed to the cross their sinful nature

• Translate the meaning directly without using a figure of speech. For example:

have stopped doing what their sinful self wants
-or-
their evil hearts no longer rule/command them

See flesh, Meaning 5 in the Glossary.

with its passions and desires: The two Greek nouns that the Berean Standard Bible translates as passions and desires are a doublet. This means that these two words mean almost the same thing. These words refer to the longings that come naturally from the sinful nature. These longings are also crucified.

Some ways to translate these two nouns are:

• Find two terms in your language to translate these two nouns. For example:

selfish feelings and desires (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
evil cravings and desires

• Translate both Greek nouns with one word plus an intensifier. For example:

with its lustful affections
-or-
our evil desires

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