When we read Galatians 5:22-23, we discover what the Apostle Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit. These two verses describe how the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer, producing qualities that reflect God’s character and nature.
KJV (King James Version)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
In Tagalog:
Ngunit ang bunga ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiis, kagandahang loob, kabutihan, pananampalataya, kaamuan, pagpipigil sa sarili. Walang kautusan laban sa mga bagay na ito.
Another Tagalog version (Ang Dating Biblia 1905):
Datapuwa’t ang bunga ng Espiritu ay pagibig, katuwaan, kapayapaan, pagpapahinuhod, kagandahang-loob, kabutihan, pagtatapat, kaamuan, pagpipigil; laban sa mga gayong bagay ay walang kautusan.
These verses do not simply list good traits—they reveal a deeper truth about how God transforms our hearts through His Spirit.
Meaning of Galatians 5:22-23
1. “Fruit” — singular, not plural
Paul uses the word fruit (singular) instead of fruits. This means that all these virtues form one complete whole. The Holy Spirit produces them together in the life of a believer. We cannot separate them or choose only a few; they grow together as we walk with the Spirit.
2. What the Spirit produces in us
These qualities are not achieved through human effort alone. They are the natural result of a heart changed by God. When a person trusts in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to work within, shaping our character to reflect God’s love, patience, and goodness.
3. The contrast with “the works of the flesh”
Earlier in Galatians 5, Paul lists the “works of the flesh” such as immorality, jealousy, and anger. These come from our sinful nature. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, represents a new life—a life led and guided by God’s Spirit. It’s a picture of transformation from the inside out.
4. “Against such things there is no law”
When Paul says, “against such there is no law,” he means that there is no law that forbids these virtues. They are always good and right. When we live by the Spirit, we naturally fulfill the true purpose of God’s law—loving God and loving others from the heart.
The Message for Us Today
Depend on the Spirit, not yourself
We cannot produce this fruit by trying harder or following rules. The power to change comes from the Holy Spirit living in us. When we depend on Him daily, we begin to reflect His nature.
Let the fruit show inner change
The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of inner transformation. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the rest are not just behaviors—they are signs that God is shaping our hearts.
Live in unity and balance
Because the word “fruit” is singular, it reminds us that these traits belong together. A mature Christian should show growth in all areas, not just one. True spiritual maturity brings harmony among all these virtues.
Grace, not legalism
Paul’s message is clear: our growth is not based on following religious laws but on living by grace. When the Holy Spirit works in us, we naturally do what pleases God—not out of obligation, but out of love.
Galatians 5:22-23 in Tagalog (with KJV insight)
In different Tagalog versions, we find words like pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiis, kagandahang loob, kabutihan, pananampalataya, kaamuan, pagpipigil sa sarili.
These correspond to the KJV’s love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
While the language differs, the meaning stays the same: the Holy Spirit changes our character so we can live according to God’s will. Both the English and Tagalog versions emphasize transformation, not performance.
Practical Steps to Live Out the Fruit of the Spirit
- Surrender daily. Each morning, ask the Holy Spirit to lead your words, thoughts, and actions.
- Stay in the Word. Regular reading of Scripture helps you understand God’s heart and recognize His voice.
- Pray consistently. Prayer keeps your spirit sensitive and aligned with God’s purpose.
- Grow in community. Fellowship with other believers helps you develop patience, kindness, and humility.
- Practice daily acts of love. Every small act of service, forgiveness, or kindness is a reflection of the Spirit’s work in you.
Top 4 FAQs About Galatians 5:22-23
1. What is the meaning of Galatians 5:22-23?
Galatians 5:22-23 teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life guided by God. These virtues—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—show that a person is growing in Christlikeness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. What is the main message of Galatians 5:22-23?
The main message is that true Christian living is not about following laws or traditions but about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us. When we live by the Spirit, our character naturally reflects God’s love and goodness.
3. How is Galatians 5:22-23 translated in Tagalog?
In Tagalog, the verse is often translated as:
“Ngunit ang bunga ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiis, kagandahang loob, kabutihan, pananampalataya, kaamuan, pagpipigil sa sarili. Walang kautusan laban sa mga bagay na ito.”
It conveys the same message: the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit are universally good and beyond reproach.
4. What does the KJV version say about Galatians 5:22-23?
In the King James Version, the passage says:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Here, older English words like longsuffering mean patience, meekness means humility or gentleness, and temperance means self-control.
Final Thoughts
Galatians 5:22-23 is not just a list of moral goals—it’s a picture of a Spirit-filled life. When we walk closely with God, His Spirit produces in us what we could never achieve on our own. This is the essence of true transformation: a heart that overflows with love, peace, and goodness.