Galatians 5:20 – “Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Galatians 5:20, Paul continues listing the “acts of the flesh”—sins that come naturally to people when they follow their sinful desires instead of the Holy Spirit. This verse covers a wide range of sins that damage a person’s relationship with God and with others.

Paul lists two sins related to false worship:

1. Idolatry – Worshiping anything or anyone in place of God. This can be physical idols, false religions, or even putting money, success, or relationships above God.
2. Witchcraft – Seeking power or guidance from sources other than God, such as magic, spells, or the occult. In the Bible, this is condemned because it leads people away from trusting God.

Then he lists five sins related to broken relationships:
3. Hatred – A deep resentment or hostility toward others.
4. Discord – Stirring up division or conflict among people.
5. Jealousy – Envy over what someone else has, leading to bitterness or resentment.
6. Fits of rage – Explosive anger that results in harm to others.
7. Selfish ambition – A self-centered desire for power, recognition, or success at any cost.

Finally, he mentions two sins that divide communities and churches:
8. Dissensions – Ongoing conflict or rebellion against authority.
9. Factions – Creating groups that oppose each other, leading to division instead of unity.

Paul is making it clear that these behaviors are not just small issues—they are signs that a person is following their sinful nature rather than the Spirit of God.

Historical Context

The Galatian church was struggling with false teaching and division. Some Jewish Christians (Judaizers) were trying to convince believers that they needed to follow the Old Testament law (including circumcision) to be saved. This led to arguments, division, and jealousy within the church.

At the same time, many Gentile (non-Jewish) believers had come from pagan religious backgrounds where idolatry and witchcraft were common. They needed to learn that following Jesus meant turning away from these sinful practices.

Paul is warning the Galatians that these behaviors are destructive. If they continue to live by the flesh—following sinful desires instead of the Spirit—their church will fall apart.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Sin affects both our relationship with God and with others. Some sins (idolatry and witchcraft) separate us from God, while others (hatred, discord, jealousy) harm relationships with people.
2. The sinful nature is selfish and destructive. Every sin listed here comes from self-centeredness—seeking personal power, revenge, or gain at the expense of others.
3. The Holy Spirit produces unity, not division. These sins lead to chaos and separation, but when we walk by the Spirit, we experience peace and love instead.

Paul is showing that a person’s lifestyle reveals whether they are walking by the Spirit or by the flesh. If these sins dominate a person’s life, it is a sign that they are not submitting to God’s Spirit.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s list in Galatians 5:19-21 is structured in categories. In this verse, he covers three major areas of sin:

• Spiritual rebellion (idolatry and witchcraft) – Sins that replace God with false powers.
• Relational destruction (hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition) – Sins that ruin human relationships.
• Community division (dissensions and factions) – Sins that divide groups and churches.

Paul is not just listing random sins—he is showing that the flesh leads to destruction in every area of life.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 20:3-5 – “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything.” Idolatry is one of the greatest sins in the Bible.
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery.” Witchcraft is directly condemned.
• James 3:14-16 – “If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it… For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Paul’s list of sins matches James’ warning.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you… that there be no divisions among you.” Paul warns against dissensions and factions in the church.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is highly relevant in today’s world. We see idolatry in many forms—not just statues, but money, success, entertainment, and even relationships can become idols. Many people also seek spiritual power in astrology, fortune-telling, and other occult practices instead of trusting in God.

We also see division everywhere—in politics, in families, and even in churches. Many believers today struggle with:

1. Hatred toward others. Social media and culture often encourage anger and resentment instead of love and forgiveness.
2. Jealousy and selfish ambition. People constantly compare themselves to others, leading to envy and pride.
3. Church divisions and factions. Many churches split because of personal conflicts instead of focusing on unity in Christ.

Paul’s warning is clear: If we allow these sins to control us, we are walking in the flesh instead of in the Spirit.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people might wonder, “If God is loving, why does He care about these sins?” The truth is that God warns us because He loves us.

• God knows that idolatry and witchcraft lead people away from Him. He doesn’t want His children to follow false paths.
• God knows that hatred, jealousy, and anger destroy relationships. He wants us to live in peace and unity.
• God knows that division weakens His church. He calls believers to love one another, not fight against each other.

A loving God sets clear boundaries because He wants His people to live in freedom, joy, and righteousness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the only true object of worship. Idolatry and witchcraft replace God, but Jesus alone deserves our devotion (John 14:6).
2. Jesus calls us to love, not hate. He taught that love for God and others is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39).
3. Jesus prayed for unity. In John 17:21, He prayed that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one.

Paul’s list of sins of the flesh is the opposite of what Jesus calls His followers to be. When we walk in the Spirit, we live as Jesus did—in love, humility, and peace.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some modern forms of idolatry and witchcraft that people fall into today?
2. How do hatred, jealousy, and anger damage relationships?
3. Why do you think selfish ambition and division are so common in churches today?
4. How can you personally guard yourself against these sins?
5. What does it look like to walk by the Spirit instead of being controlled by the flesh?

Paul’s message in Galatians 5:20 is clear: Sin leads to destruction, but the Spirit leads to life. As followers of Jesus, we must reject the sinful desires of the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and actions. Only then can we live in true freedom and unity.