Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a person or community living in accord with the Holy Spirit, according to chapter 5 of the Epistle to the Galatians: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."[2] The fruit is contrasted with the works of the flesh which immediately precede it in this chapter.

Not to be confused with Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Stained glass window at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, depicting the Fruits of the Holy Spirit along with role models representing them, i.e. the Good Shepherd representing love, an angel holding a scroll of Gloria in excelsis Deo representing joy and Jesus Christ, Job representing longsuffering, Jonathan faith, Ruth gentleness and goodness, Moses meekness, and John the Baptist temperance. Executed by Hardman & Co. in the 1870s.[1]

Traditionalist Catholicism might follow the Vulgate version of Galatians in listing 12 fruits: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity (kindness), goodness, longanimity (forbearance), mildness (gentleness), faith, modesty, continency (self-control), and chastity.[3] This tradition was defended by Thomas Aquinas in his work Summa Theologica.[4] But the New American Bible approved for Catholic liturgical use in the United States follows the Greek and lists the original nine.

Early commentary

Aquinas pointed out that numbered among the fruits of the Holy Spirit are certain virtues, such as charity, meekness, faith, chastity, and kindness.[5] Augustine defined virtue as "a good habit consonant with our nature." [6]

Though traditionally discussed as nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, the original Greek term translated as "fruit" is singular. Aquinas explained, "Consequently fruit is mentioned there in the singular, on account of its being generically one, though divided into many species which are spoken of as so many fruits."[5] Augustine's commentary on Galatians 5:25-26 says, "the Apostle had no intention of teaching us how many [either works of the flesh, or fruits of the Spirit] there are; but to show how the former should be avoided, and the latter sought after."[5]

Love (Greek: agape, Latin: caritas)

Main article: Agape

Agape (love) denotes an undefeatable benevolence and unconquerable goodwill that always seeks the highest good for others, no matter their behavior. It is a love that gives freely without asking anything in return, and does not consider the worth of its object.[7][8] Agape is more a love by choice than philos, which is love by chance; and it refers to the will rather than the emotion. Agape describes the unconditional love God has for the world. Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8:[9]

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

According to Strong's Greek Lexicon, the word ἀγάπη [G26] (Transliteration: agapē) means love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:—(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.[10]

• Pronunciation: ag-ah'-pay
• Part of Speech: feminine noun
• Root Word (Etymology): From ἀγαπάω (G25)

Outline of Biblical Usage:

1. affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
2. love feasts

The Greek word ἀγάπη (agapē) occurs 117 times in 106 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

Joy (Greek: chara, Latin: gaudium)

The joy referred to here is deeper than mere happiness; it is rooted in God and comes from Him. Since it comes from God, it is more serene and stable than worldly happiness, which is merely emotional and lasts only for a time.

According to Strong's Greek Lexicon, the Greek word listed in the verse is χαρά (G5479), meaning 'joy', 'gladness', or 'a source of joy'. The Greek χαρά (chara) occurs 59 times in 57 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

• Original Word: χαρά, ᾶς, ἡ From χαίρω (G5463)
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
• Transliteration: chara
• Phonetic Spelling: (khar-ah')

Joy (Noun and Verb), Joyfulness, Joyfully, Joyous:

"joy, delight" (akin to chairo, "to rejoice"), is found frequently in Matthew and Luke, and especially in John, once in Mark (Mar 4:16, RV, "joy," AV, "gladness"); it is absent from 1 Cor. (though the verb is used three times), but is frequent in 2 Cor., where the noun is used five times (for 2Cr 7:4, RV, see Note below), and the verb eight times, suggestive of the Apostle's relief in comparison with the circumstances of the 1st Epistle; in Col 1:11, AV, "joyfulness," RV, "joy." The word is sometimes used, by metonymy, of the occasion or cause of "joy," Luk 2:10 (lit., "I announce to you a great joy"); in 2Cr 1:15, in some mss., for charis, "benefit;" Phl 4:1, where the readers are called the Apostle's "joy;" so 1Th 2:19, 20; Hbr 12:2, of the object of Christ's "joy;" Jam 1:2, where it is connected with falling into trials; perhaps also in Mat 25:21, 23, where some regard it as signifying, concretely, the circumstances attending cooperation in the authority of the Lord. Note: In Hbr 12:11, "joyous" represents the phrase meta, "with," followed by chara, lit., "with joy." So in Hbr 10:34, "joyfully;" in 2Cr 7:4 the noun is used with the Middle Voice of huperperisseuo, "to abound more exceedingly," and translated "(I overflow) with joy," RV (AV, "I am exceeding joyful").[11]

Peace (Greek: eirene, Latin: pax)

The Greek word εἰρήνη (Strong's G1515)(eirēnē)(transliteration: i-ray'-nay), probably derived from a primary verb εἴρω eírō (to join), means peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:—one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.[12]

The word "peace" comes from the Greek word eirene, the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word shalom, which expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures. The word eirene strongly suggests the rule of order in place of chaos.[13]

The Greek εἰρήνη (eirēnē) occurs 92 times in 86 verses in the Greek concordance of the KJV. The KJV translates Strong's G1515 in the following manner: peace (89x), one (1x), rest (1x), quietness (1x). The outline of Biblical usage is as follows:

1. a state of national tranquillity
   1. exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2. peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3. security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4. of the Messiah's peace
   1. the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5. of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6. the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace, who brings peace to the hearts of those who desire it. He says in John 14:27:[14] "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". In Matthew 5:9 he says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."[15]

Patience (Greek: makrothumia, Latin: longanimitas)

Generally the Greek world applied this word to a man who could avenge himself but did not. This word is often used in the Greek Scriptures in reference to God and God's attitude to humans.[16] Exodus 34:6 describes the Lord as "slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity."

Patience, which in some translations is "longsuffering" or "endurance", is defined in Strong's by two Greek words, makrothumia and hupomone.

The first, pronounced (mak-roth-oo-mee-ah) comes from makros, "long", and thumos, "temper". The word denotes lenience, forbearance, fortitude, patient endurance, longsuffering. Also included in makrothumia is the ability to endure persecution and ill-treatment. It describes a person who has the power to exercise revenge but instead exercises restraint. (Strong's #3115)

The latter, hupomone, (hoop-om-on-ay) is translated "endurance": Constancy, perseverance, continuance, bearing up, steadfastness, holding out, patient endurance. The word combines hupo, "under", and mone, "to remain". It describes the capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances, not with a passive complacency, but with a hopeful fortitude that actively resists weariness and defeat, (Strong's #5281) with hupomone (Greek ὑπομονή) being further understood as that which would be "as opposed to cowardice or despondency"[17]

"With lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love".[18]

Kindness (Greek: chrestotes, Latin: benignitas)

In Greek, old wine was called "chrestos" which meant that it was mellow or smooth.[16] Christ used this word in Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Kindness is acting for the good of people regardless of what they do, properly, "useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable".[19]

Strong's #5544: Kindness is goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control. (emphasis added)

The word kindness comes from the Greek word chrestotes (khray-stot-ace), which meant to show kindness or to be friendly to others and often depicted rulers, governors, or people who were kind, mild, and benevolent to their subjects. Anyone who demonstrated this quality of chrestotes was considered to be compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind, or gentle. The apostle Paul uses this word to depict God's incomprehensible kindness for people who are unsaved (see Romans 11:22;[20] Ephesians 2:7;[21] Titus 3:4[22]).

One scholar has noted that when the word chrestotes is applied to interpersonal relationships, it conveys the idea of being adaptable to others. Rather than harshly require everyone else to adapt to his own needs and desires, when chrestotes is working in a believer, he seeks to become adaptable to the needs of those who are around him. (Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner)

Kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return. Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back. It implies kindness no matter what. We should live "in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left".[23]

Goodness (Greek: agathosune, Latin: bonitas)

1. The state or quality of being good
2. Moral excellence; virtue;
3. Kindly feeling, kindness, generosity, joy in being good
4. The best part of anything; Essence; Strength;
5. General character recognized in quality or conduct.

Popular English Bibles (e.g. NIV, NASB, NLT) translate the single Greek word chrestotes into two English words: kindness and goodness. "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power".[24] "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth",[25] with agathosune being "found only in Biblical and ecclesiastical writings, uprightness of heart and life".[26]

Faithfulness (Greek: pistis, Latin: fides)

The root of pistis[27] ("faith") is peithô,[28] that is to persuade or be persuaded, which supplies the core-meaning of faith as being "divine persuasion", received from God, and never generated by man. It is defined as the following: objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:—believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.[29]

• Greek: πιστός
• Transliteration: pistos
• Pronunciation: pē-sto's
• Part of Speech: adjective
• Root Word (Etymology): From πείθω

The Greek πιστός (pistos) occurs 67 times in 62 verses in the Greek concordance of the KJV: faithful (53x), believe (6x), believing (2x), true (2x), faithfully (1x), believer (1x), sure (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage[29]

• trusty, faithful
  • of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties
  • one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust
  • that can be relied on
• easily persuaded
  • believing, confiding, trusting
  • in the NT one who trusts in God's promises
  • one who is convinced that Jesus has been raised from the dead
  • one who has become convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and author of salvation

Examples:

"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth".[30] "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith".^{[Eph 3:16-17]}

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews describes it this way: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".[31]

Gentleness (Greek: prautes, Latin: modestia)

Gentleness, in the Greek, prautes, commonly known as meekness, is "a divinely-balanced virtue that can only operate through faith (cf. ^{[1 Tim 6:11]}; ^{[2 Tim 2:22-25]}).[32]

The New Spirit Filled Life Bible defines gentleness as

"a disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious, and that has the passions under control. The word is best translated 'meekness,' not as an indication of weakness, but of power and strength under control. The person who possesses this quality pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well".

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted".^{[Gal 6:1]}

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love".^{[Eph 4:2]}

Self-control (Greek: enkrateia, Latin: continentia)

The Greek word used in Galatians 5:23 is "enkrateia", meaning "strong, having mastery, able to control one's thoughts and actions."[33]

We read also: "...make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love".^{[2 Pet 1:5-7]}

See also

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Seven virtues
• Related Bible parts: Galatians 5, Philippians 4

Bibliography

Citations

1. "CO. DUBLIN, DUBLIN, CHRISTCHURCH PLACE, CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL (CI)". Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720–1940. Irish Architectural Archive. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Galatians 5:22-23: Fructus autem Spiritus est caritas, gaudium, pax, patientia, benignitas, bonitas, longanimitas, mansuetudo, fides, modestia, continentia, castitas. Adversus hujusmodi non est lex.
4. Cross, F. L.; Livingstone, E. A., eds. (1998). The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 644. ISBN 0-19-211655-X.
5. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica, Second and Revised Edition, Fathers of the English Dominican Province, 1920
6. Waldron, Martin Augustine. "Virtue." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 5 May 2015
7. Kreeft, Peter (November 30, 2004). "The God Who Loves You: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling". Retrieved December 22, 2018.
8. Lewis, C. S. (1960). The Four Loves. London: Fount. ISBN 0-00-628089-7.
9. Quoted from the New International Version: 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
12. (Strong G1515)
13. Renner, Rick. Sparkling Gems from the Greek., Teach All Nations, 2007. ISBN 978-0-9725454-7-1
14. "Bible Gateway passage: John 14:27 - King James Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
15. "Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 5:7 - King James Version". Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
16. Pope, Charles. "A Brief Treatise on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit", Archdiocese of Washington, January 27, 2013
17. Thayer's Greek Lexicon - STRONGS NT 3115: μακροθυμία
18. Eph4:2
19. Strong's Greek Concordance 5544. chréstotés
20. Romans 11:22
21. Ephesians 2:7
22. Titus 3:4
23. 2Cor 6:6-7
24. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
25. Ephesians 5:9
26. Strong's Greek Concordance 19. agathosune
27. Strong's Greek Concordance 4102. pistis
28. Strong's Greek Concordance 3982. peithó
30. Isaiah 25:1
31. Heb 12:2
32. Strong's Greek Concordance 4240. prautés: gentleness
33. Graham, Billy. "The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life", Thomas Nelson Inc, 2011 ISBN 9781418515690

Sources

• George A. Kennedy, New Testament Interpretation Through Rhetorical Criticism, George A. Kennedy (University of North Carolina Press: 1984)
• Longman, Robert Jr. "Self-Control". Web: 19 Oct 2010. Spirit Home
• Classic Sermons on the Fruit of the Spirit, (Warren Wiersbe ed.), Kregel Academic, 2002. ISBN 9780825496387