Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 5:19

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness," — Galatians 5:19 (ASV)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest. It needs no elaborate discussion to show what is meant by fulfilling the lust of the flesh. The effects that the flesh produces are plain and obvious enough. The catalogue that follows is not drawn up on any exact scientific principle, but divides itself roughly into four categories:

1. Sins of sensuality;
2. Sins of superstition;
3. Sins of temper;
4. Excesses.

It has been said that all our sinfulness may be resolved into “two elementary instincts: the instinct of self-preservation and the reproductive instinct.” The third class of sins—sins of temper—would be referred to the first of these categories; sins of sensuality and excess—the one immediately, the other more remotely—to the second. The sins of superstition mentioned are of a more secondary character and arise from intellectual errors.

Adultery: This word is omitted in the best manuscripts.

Uncleanness, lasciviousness: The first of these words signifies any kind of impurity, secret or open; the second, flagrant breaches of public decency.