Galatians 5:19-21 – Hall of Shame 2

Once again, here’s my fairly literal translation of these verses:

¹⁹But the works of the flesh are evident, which are (adultery), immorality, uncleanness, licentiousness, ²⁰idolatry, drug-abuse, hostilities, quarrels, envies, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, divisions, factions, ²¹jealousies, (murders), drunken bouts, wild parties, and the such like these, of which I foretold to you and told you before that those who habitually practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In my previous post I looked at some textual issues and the meaning of the word porneia, which I’ve translated “immorality.” A couple more thoughts on word meanings: In support of the authenticity of the word “moikeia” (adultery) at the top of the list, something I hadn’t thought about before – when considering words for sexual sin, it is important to realize the enormous cultural double-standard of the ancient world. In their minds, a married woman was expected to be totally faithful to her husband. For her to do otherwise was clearly “moikea” (adultery), to which all would agree even today. However, it was completely acceptable for men to be unfaithful, as long as it wasn’t with another man’s wife. For men, it was only “moikea” (adultery) if he was violating someone else’s marriage. According to sources I read, that is one reason why, in Biblical discussions of sexual sins, the two words porneia (immorality) and moikea (adultery) get listed together. If you only listed adultery, the men would excuse their “fillies” and go on. Culturally speaking, you had to corner them by calling it porneia (immorality). Hence, Biblically, the two words often appeared together, which would support that occurrence in this passage. On the other hand, porneia does cover it all and so could stand alone in an intentionally brief and deliberately summary list like this.

Another interesting word in the list is pharmakeia, which I have translated “drug abuse.” Obviously, we get our word “pharmacy” from this Greek word. Most versions translate it something like “witchcraft” or “sorcery”. Most of my theological lexicons make much of the connection between drugs and witchcraft. Interestingly, though, I also have a Greek/English dictionary that is entirely secular and it gives the definition as simply “drug abuse.” I often consult this dictionary being all too aware that presuppositions can influence theological discussions just the same as any other. I wonder if our “religious” mindset doesn’t predispose us to look for something beyond the simple meaning of “drug abuse.” Or is it possible that we think drug abuse is a modern problem?

This word and same discussion occur in Revelation 9:21: “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”  Notice the word in the middle “magic arts.” This is our word pharmakeia. Of 18 translations I consulted they all translated it either “magic arts,”  “witchcraft,” or “sorceries.” Given my secular dictionary’s definition, and the simple meaning of the word, the verse could instead be translated, “Nor did they repent of their murders, their drug abuse, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Considering that this is a reference to people in the Last Days (something not too distant from right now!), I would almost suggest this translation would fit our world better. On the other hand, in defense of the “magic arts” translation would be the fact that it appears right next to the word “idolatry.” Perhaps Paul did intend the word to be understood in a religious context, in which case “magic arts, witchcraft, or sorceries” would be the appropriate translation, as these activities did involve extensive use of drugs. I will leave the matter, once again acknowledging Paul’s final “… and the such like these.” In fact, whether we’re considering drug abuse or witchcraft, either one could rightfully be included in this Hall of Shame.

Having presented my various technical observations, there are a few practical implications I want to record, however I will close this post and record them in the next.