Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Truth to Learn
An inward focus has contentious consequences, whereas an upward focus produces peace and gives glory to God.
Behind the Words
“Conceited” is translated from the Greek word kenodoxos, a compound word made up of kenos, meaning “empty or vain” and doxa, meaning “glory or praise.” As you can see, the King James translation of “vain glory” is an accurate translation, but few people understand what that really means. This word is applied to a person without talent or worth who wants to be admired by others. It also applies to a person who thinks they are special because of something out of their control such as being born into a particular family or race.
The word translated “provoking” is from a form of prokaleō. This is another compound word made up of pro, meaning “forward” or “toward” and kaleō, which means “to call.” It appears in this verse in the middle voice indicating action that is done by the subject (us or we) to the subject. Hence, it literally means “to call before oneself,” which by application means “to provoke or irritate.”
“Envying” is translated from the Greek word phthoneō, which refers to “personal pain felt, along with a desire to do harm to others, because of the other person’s excellence or good fortune.”
Meaning Explained
Notice that all three of the words we looked at in this verse are characterized by an intense focus on self. Back in verse fourteen, Paul said that the fulfilling of the law is accomplished by loving your neighbor as yourself. That implies a focus on others rather than on self.
It is likely that the Jewish converts in the Galatian churches thought themselves better than the converts of the Gentiles because they were true children of Abraham and they were keepers of the law. Paul has gone to great lengths to show that neither family heritage nor personal accomplishment have any bearing on how we are viewed by God. No matter what our station in life or personal accomplishments, none of us are any better than anyone else,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)
One of the characteristics of people who think themselves better than the rest of us is that they use their privileged position (whether real or imagined) to put down others of lesser distinction, attributing undue glory to themselves. One of our natural (fleshly) reactions is to provoke them right back, thus producing discord. The opposite reaction is to envy their status and want to lash out at them because of it. Neither reaction is produced by the Spirit of God. Both are works of the flesh.
Challenge
In all of our dealings with other people, especially within the church, we need to humble ourselves before God and be immediately ready to serve others, for their good rather than our own. Let me challenge you today to look for opportunities to be humble and to seek the good of others.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to: