1. Galatians 5:20–21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What are strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, and envy?

Galatians 5:20–21 (ESV)

20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,

Various social sins that disrupt community life are grouped together. They are emphasized in the vice list, likely because these sins plagued the Galatian church.1 Strife focuses on the contention that divides people from one another (Romans 1:29; Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:4). Jealousy can be positive when it is a zeal for God and what is good (Romans 10:2; 2 Corinthians 7:7, 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Philippians 3:6), but also negative when it is about self-glorification (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20), when you resent the good that someone else enjoys.2 Fits of anger refers to savage flashes of anger that are poured out on others, an uncontrolled temper. Rivalries brings discord since it focuses on honour for self and ignores others (Romans 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Philippians 1:17; Philippians 2:3; James 3:14, James 3:16). Dissensions calls attention to division and fragmentation in a community as a result of sin. Factions denotes a sect, exclusive cliques that create division where there should be none (1 Corinthians 11:19). Envy is a desire to possess what others have, to be unsatisfied with the gifts that God has given to you,3 to rejoice at the misfortunes of others (Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:3).4