Paul lists the “works of the flesh” and contrasts the “fruit of the spirit” in Galatians chapter five: “Now the works of the flesh are made manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (5:19-21a, 22)
In verse 22, the word “fruit” is singular even though it encompasses multiple virtues. The singularity of this word is designed to convey a complete, well-rounded picture of the character of a child of God. It imparts the idea that the ‘fruit” is a single unit which consists of individual parts. Each of these parts plays a significant, unique role in creating the “fruit” as a whole. They strive in balance and harmony with each other to achieve the one product. Without every one of these parts the “fruit” is incomplete.
In contrast to this, note that in verse 19, Paul uses the word “works” (plural) rather than the word “work (singular). Why would he use the plural word form here? Unlike the single “fruit,” the many “works” are disjunctive. True, they do stem from one source but they do not content together in balance and harmony to produce a single unit.
They produce confusion and visions, even among themselves. The “works are unproductive and, in the end, there will be no harvest – it matters not how much activity there has been. The only anticipated outcomes from the “works of the flesh” are death and destruction.
Like other passages, there is preciseness in this Holy Spirit inspired context. As Paul used the singular word “seed” to make an argument in Galatians 3:16, he also the singular word “fruit” here to make an important point. The subtleties of this exactness give us a greater appreciation of the wisdom and perfection of scripture
To enhance your appreciation of the beauty and depth of the word, study it with the same precision as was needed to write it. Strive to be a complete, well-rounded child of God. Refrain from the unfruitful works of the flesh (Ephesians 6:11). Perfect the virtues Paul lists in Galatians 5:22, so that you will become that single, complete fruit. – Andrew R. Lehmann
Paul lists the “works of the flesh” and contrasts the “fruit of the spirit” in Galatians chapter five: “Now the works of the flesh are made manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (5:19-21a, 22)
In verse 22, the word “fruit” is singular even though it encompasses multiple virtues. The singularity of this word is designed to convey a complete, well-rounded picture of the character of a child of God. It imparts the idea that the ‘fruit” is a single unit which consists of individual parts. Each of these parts plays a significant, unique role in creating the “fruit” as a whole. They strive in balance and harmony with each other to achieve the one product. Without every one of these parts the “fruit” is incomplete.
