Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Galatians 5:22
What does Galatians 5:22 mean?
Paul lists qualities — love, joy, peace, and more — that grow naturally in a believer's life as the result of the Holy Spirit's work, not human effort alone. Calling it 'fruit' (singular) suggests these qualities grow together, like a single harvest, rather than being separate achievements.
Context
This verse comes in a section of Galatians where Paul contrasts 'the works of the flesh' (5:19-21) — a list of destructive behaviors — with 'the fruit of the Spirit' (5:22-23). Galatians as a whole addresses a church being pulled toward legalism; Paul's point in this passage is that a Spirit-led life produces good fruit organically, not through rule-keeping.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Bible study
- Why do you think Paul calls this a singular 'fruit' rather than 'fruits' (plural)?
- How does the contrast with 'works of the flesh' just before this verse sharpen its meaning?
- Which quality in this list do you most want to see grow in your life right now?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Holy Spirit, grow Your fruit in me — love, joy, peace, patience, and all the rest. Shape my life from the inside out. Amen.
Memorize this verse
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'fruit of the Spirit' contrasted with?
It's contrasted with the 'works of the flesh' listed just before it in Galatians 5:19-21 — destructive behaviors Paul warns the Galatian church against.
Why does Paul use the word 'fruit' instead of 'gifts'?
Fruit grows naturally over time from being connected to the source (the Spirit), unlike gifts, which are given individually — the metaphor emphasizes organic growth in character.