What does Galatians 5:26 mean by "conceited" in the Berean Standard Bible translation? Text “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” — Galatians 5:26 Syntactical Placement The verb “Let us not become” (μὴ γινώμεθα) signals an ongoing potential: believers could slide into kenodoxia if vigilance lapses. Paul couches it in the subjunctive exhortation, urging a continual posture of humility. Immediate Context Galatians 5 contrasts “works of the flesh” (vv. 19-21) with “fruit of the Spirit” (vv. 22-23). Verse 25 commands, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Verse 26 adds a negative corollary: Spirit-led living excludes kenodoxia. Thus “conceited” caps the chapter, guarding the newly liberated Galatians from exchanging legalistic pride for charismatic pride. Triadic Vice List Paul couples conceit with “provoking” (προκαλούμενοι) and “envying” (φθονοῦντες). Kenodoxia births interpersonal strife: 1. Provoking—competitive one-upmanship, goading others to quarrel. 2. Envying—resenting another’s blessings. Empty glory both taunts and begrudges, fracturing Christian fellowship. Contrast with the Fruit of the Spirit Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (vv. 22-23) are others-oriented virtues. Kenodoxia is self-referential. The juxtaposition is intentional: Spirit-produced character cannot coexist with vain ambition (cf. Philippians 2:3). Theological Significance 1. Imago Dei: True glory derives from reflecting God’s character (Isaiah 43:7). Empty glory mimics Lucifer’s self-elevation (Isaiah 14:12-15). 2. Christological Model: Jesus “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7) rather than grasp at status; His humility reframes greatness (Mark 10:43-45). 3. Soteriology: Boasting is excluded (Romans 3:27). Salvation by grace nullifies self-grounded pride. Parallel Scripture Witness • Proverbs 25:27: “It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.” • Jeremiah 9:23: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom…” • 2 Timothy 3:2: “People will be lovers of themselves, boastful, proud…” These texts form a canonical chorus against kenodoxia. Historical Illustration Early church father Chrysostom (Hom. in Galatians 13) warns: “Vain-glory is a many-headed monster, undoing good works the moment they appear.” His comment affirms the patristic recognition of kenodoxia’s corrosive power. Practical Application 1. Spiritual Inventory: Ask, “Do I seek applause or God’s approval?” 2. Service Orientation: Embrace unnoticed acts (Matthew 6:1) to train humility. 3. Community Culture: Celebrate others’ gifts; refuse competitive comparison. 4. Gospel Focus: Daily recall that any merit is Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:10). Summary “Conceited” in Galatians 5:26 signifies a hollow self-exaltation springing from pride. Rooted linguistically in “empty glory,” it manifests behaviorally through provocation and envy, opposing the Spirit’s fruit. Grounded in stable manuscript evidence and echoed across Scripture, the term calls believers to Christlike humility, restoring harmony and glorifying God rather than self. |
    |