Bible facts
The fruit of the Spirit: the nine qualities and what each one means
The fruit of the Spirit is the list of qualities that, according to the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22–23, the Holy Spirit produces in believers: love, joy, peace, patience (longsuffering), kindness (gentleness), goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (meekness) and self-control (temperance). There are nine, and Paul uses “fruit” in the singular, as one whole. Catholic tradition, following the Vulgate, lists twelve fruits.
What are the fruits of the Spirit?
The list is in Paul’s letter to the Galatians:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
What does each fruit of the Spirit mean?
- Love (agapē): love that seeks the good of others, even without return. It heads the list and sums up the rest.
- Joy (chara): a joy that does not depend only on circumstances; Paul writes about it even from prison (Philippians 4:4).
- Peace (eirēnē): reconciliation with God and others, not just the absence of conflict.
- Longsuffering / patience (makrothymia): bearing with people and delays without losing your temper.
- Gentleness / kindness (chrēstotēs): a warm and considerate way of treating others.
- Goodness (agathōsynē): doing good actively and generously.
- Faith / faithfulness (pistis): being reliable and steady; the same word means “faith”.
- Meekness / gentleness (prautēs): strength under control, firmness without aggression.
- Temperance / self-control (enkrateia): mastery over desires and impulses.
Why “fruit” and not “fruits”?
In Greek, Paul writes karpos, singular. Many interpreters take the nine qualities not as separate items to choose from, but as one fruit with many sides, like the segments of an orange. The contrast with the previous verses supports this: the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19–21) are plural.
What is the difference between the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit?
The gifts of the Spirit (such as prophecy, healing or tongues, in 1 Corinthians 12) are abilities given differently to each person to serve the community. The fruit is the character expected of everyone. That is why, right after discussing the gifts, Paul writes the famous chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13): without the fruit, the gifts lose their purpose.
Why does Catholic tradition speak of twelve fruits?
Because the Vulgate, Jerome’s Latin translation, has a longer list. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 1832) lists twelve: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. The oldest Greek texts have nine.
How each tradition sees the fruit of the Spirit
- Catholics: the fruits are “perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory” and go together with the seven gifts of the Spirit received in Confirmation.
- Orthodox: the fruit is a sign of theosis, the transformation of the person by grace. Seraphim of Sarov said the goal of Christian life is “the acquisition of the Holy Spirit”.
- Protestants: the fruit is the test of a Spirit-led life, more than extraordinary manifestations. It is a favorite topic of Bible studies and Sunday schools.
The Holy Spirit is the same one celebrated at Pentecost.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the 9 fruits of the Spirit?
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness (gentleness) and temperance (self-control), Galatians 5:22–23.
Where is the fruit of the Spirit in the Bible?
In Galatians 5:22–23, in the apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia.
Are there 9 or 12 fruits of the Spirit?
The Greek text has nine. Catholic tradition, following the Latin Vulgate, lists twelve.
What is the difference between the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit?
The gifts are abilities given to each person to serve; the fruit is the character the Spirit forms in every believer.