What does uncleanness mean in galatians 5

Read Introduction to Galatians

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness…”

uncleanness,

“Uncleanness” is moral defilement, whether in the form of lust or profligate living. It is a state of moral impurity related to thought, action or speech, and can be sexual. (Romans 1:24).

lewdness

“Lewdness” is licentiousness or lasciviousness. This word denotes excess or absence of restraint. Lewd people have unbridled lusts and little sense of shame. They are outrageous in their shamelessness and give themselves to debauchery in a brazen way (Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3).

“Lewdness” is reckless sinning. It does not care what God or people think. It shocks public civility. This sin has no regard for society or self-respect.

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Romans 13:13).

“…lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced” (2 Corinthians 12:21).

Principle:

Some people reach a stage of utter shamelessness.

Application:

People do what “comes naturally.” We can squirt religious perfume on people, but it will not change their hearts. Immorality appeals to people in every walk of life.

The media encourage us to accept perversion. However, God views perversion as a subject for judgment. When people reach a place where they do not respect themselves and lose their sense of shame, they are ready for judgment.

Adultery is the social aspect of this area of sin, the lack of concern for family relationships, for social order, for social structure, for faithfuless in relationships.

Fornication is the physical aspect of this kind of sin - the matter of the misuse of the body for a purpose never intended.

Uncleanness is the improper aspect of this kind of sin. It is defiling. It leaves a stain. It is dirty.

Lasciviousness is the loose aspect of this kind of sin. It is a lack of self respect, a lack of discipline, a lack of uprightness. It is wanton.

Acts of sin in this area will incorporate all four of the above, but not necessarily obviously. But in heart, they will all be present if there is sin in this area.

As Jesus says, if a man looks on a woman to lust after her, it is because - first - he committed the social act of disregarding the fact that the woman belonged either to her family or to her husband. She did not belong to him. And therefore it was a sin in heart before the outward movement of the eye.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Galatians 5:19 – King James Version)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Galatians 5:19 – American Standard Version)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, (Galatians 5:19 – Darby’s Translation)

And manifest also are the works of the flesh, which are: Adultery, whoredom, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Galatians 5:19 – Young’s Literal Translation)

Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, (Galatians 5:19 – World English Bible)

Interlinear

Now <de> the works <ergon> of the flesh <sarx> are <esti> manifest, <phaneros> which <hostis> are <esti> these; Adultery, <moicheia> fornication, <porneia> uncleanness, <akatharsia> lasciviousness, <aselgeia> (Galatians 5:19 – King James Version)

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Verse 19.   Now the works of the flesh are manifest] By flesh we are to understand the evil and fallen state of the soul, no longer under the guidance of God’s Spirit and right reason, but under the animal passions; and they are even rendered more irregular and turbulent by the influence of sin; so that man is in a worse state than the brute: and so all-commanding is this evil nature that it leads men into all kinds of crimes; and among them the following, which are manifest-known to all, and most prevalent; and, though these are most solemnly forbidden by your law, the observance of its ordinances gives no power to overcome them, and provides no pardon for the guilt and condemnation produced by them.

Adultery]  moiceia.  Illicit connection with a married person. This word is wanting in this place in the best MSS., versions, and fathers; the next term often comprehending both.

Fornication]  porneia.  Illicit connection between single or unmarried persons; yet often signifying adultery also.

Uncleanness]  akayapsia.  Whatever is opposite to purity; probably meaning here, as in Ro 1:24; 2Co 12:21, unnatural practices; sodomy, bestiality.

Lasciviousness]  aselgeia.  Whatever is contrary to chastity; all lewdness.

  • What is the meaning of Mark 2:18-28?
  • What is the meaning of Mark 2:13-17?
  • What is the meaning of Mark 2:1-12?
  • What is the meaning of Mark 1:40-45?
  • What is the meaning of Mark 1:29-39?

Post navigation

What is the meaning of uncleanness in the Bible?

morally impure; evil; vile: unclean thoughts. Chiefly Biblical. having a physical or moral blemish so as to make impure according to the laws, especially the dietary or ceremonial laws: an unclean animal; unclean persons.

What does the Bible say about uncleanliness?

"`You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them. '" for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who lies with a woman who is ceremonially unclean.

What does Galatians Chapter 5 mean?

Galatians chapter 5, we're going to be talking about freedom, born to be free. As believers we're all born of the Holy Spirit of God to be free. I want to make sure we understand that. Freedom never means the right to do as you please; freedom is the power to do as we should. That's the difference.

What does Galatians chapter 5 verse 15 mean?

Chapter Summary On the one hand, false teachers were pressuring them into circumcision in order to be sure of being right with God. On the other hand, freedom can also be squandered on serving only our sinful desires instead of investing it through serving others in love.