NinefruitThe 9 fruits of the Spirit: the full list
The nine fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Paul lists them in Galatians 5:22-23 as the character the Holy Spirit grows in every Christian. He calls them one 'fruit' with nine qualities, because they grow together.
The list, in Bible order
- 1. Love (agapē): choosing someone else's good, even when it costs you.
- 2. Joy (chara): deep gladness rooted in God, not in circumstances.
- 3. Peace (eirēnē): a settled heart with God that helps you make peace with others.
- 4. Patience (makrothumia): being 'long-tempered', bearing with people and waiting on God.
- 5. Kindness (chrēstotēs): goodness turned outward in warm, practical care.
- 6. Goodness (agathōsunē): integrity in action, even when no one is watching.
- 7. Faithfulness (pistis): trust in God that shows up as being reliable.
- 8. Gentleness (prautēs): strength under control, never needing to crush or win.
- 9. Self-control (enkrateia): inner strength to say no to what harms and yes to what is good.
The verse, word for word
From the World English Bible, a modern public-domain translation:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
Galatians 5:22 (WEB)
gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:23 (WEB)
The fruits of the Spirit in the KJV
The King James Version uses older English words for some of the nine: love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness (gentleness) and temperance (self-control). They are the same nine qualities.
Are there 9 or 12 fruits of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine in the Greek text, and modern Catholic and Protestant Bibles agree. The Catholic Catechism (paragraph 1832) also names twelve, following the Latin Vulgate, which adds generosity, modesty and chastity. Both traditions point to the same Spirit-grown character.
Which fruit is strongest in you?
Most people are strong in two or three and quietly thin in one. The free 2-minute Fruit of the Spirit test uses 27 everyday moments to show your strongest fruit and your growing one, as a Fruit Wheel you can share.
FAQ
What are the 9 fruits of the Spirit in order?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, in the order Paul lists them in Galatians 5:22-23.
Where are the fruits of the Spirit listed in the Bible?
Galatians 5:22-23. Paul contrasts them with the 'works of the flesh' listed just before, in Galatians 5:19-21.
Which fruit of the Spirit is the most important?
Love is listed first, and 1 Corinthians 13 says that without love even great gifts are nothing. Many teachers see the other eight as ways love shows itself.
Which fruit of the Spirit is the hardest?
It differs from person to person, which is why the free Ninefruit test exists. In everyday life many people find patience and self-control hardest under pressure.