by Jen | Jan 6, 2026 | DISO studies, Galatians 5
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello again! I just realized I’ve been posting DISO study discoveries online since March 2019—almost seven years now! The process has changed over time, and I have as well. God’s Word has a way of doing that to us, doesn’t it? It’s one of the main reasons I’ve devoted my post-retirement life to digging into Scripture. I’m so glad you’re joining me today as I unpack what I discovered this week researching Galatians in general and verse 9 of Galatians 5. Let’s get to it!
Last Week’s Work
WRITING TYPES
From Galatians 1:1, this is a letter from Paul, the apostle, to the churches of Galatia. Like many of Paul’s letters, it contains instructions and comparisons, which leads me to conclude it’s instructional text and generally intended to be interpreted literally. As I dug deeper into the meaning of verse 9, though, I believe this statement about leaven is figurative, symbolizing how seemingly small, insignificant factors can have great influence (for good or bad) over the whole.
LITERAL CONTEXT
Reading through chapters 1-4 in Galatians, the Holy Spirit helped me see other references to someone or some group who seemed to be pressuring the Galatians to accept and conform to Jewish law tradition (i.e., circumcision) in addition to professing their faith in Christ. For example, Galatians 1:7 mentions some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Paul also talks about certain men who intimidated Peter into reverting to traditional eating rules (see also Acts 10:9-16) and how Paul set him straight (Galatians 2:11-14).
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The churches of Galatia likely refers to several churches Paul founded during his first missionary journey (see Acts 13-14), and the purpose of this letter was to encourage these new Christians to stay focused on the simple truth of the gospel: that they are saved purely through faith in Jesus Christ. According to the ESV Introduction, Galatia was a Roman province which other sources locate in modern-day Central Turkey. The same source indicates this letter was written about 48 AD, though a timeline I found on blb.org suggests a bit later, during Paul’s second missionary journey. It’s likely the congregation Paul addresses is mostly non-Jewish, since he mentions “receiving circumcision (v2).” I think this infers they were agreeing, as adults, to submit to the practice, but Jewish law affirmatively required this operation no later than the eighth day after a male child was born (Leviticus 12:3). Also, my conclusion about their identity is consistent with Paul’s stated commission to bring the gospel to Gentiles (see Galatians 2:7-8).
INTERLINEAR RESEARCH
My interlinear research focused on the two leavens mentioned in v9. First, the noun, zymē, G2219, refers to a substance used in both Jewish and Greek baking to cause dough to “rise” or enlarge (over time), producing a lighter and fluffier baked product. I was reminded of my mom teaching me to make homemade bread: kneading the dough to work the yeast through it, putting it in a towel-covered bowl in the warmest spot in the kitchen, then coming back to find it had grown exponentially!
I also looked at the verb form of leaven, in Greek, zymoi, G2220, meaning to rise as described above. The Biblehub.com resource I consulted indicated verse 9 might have been a proverbial expression (also used in the gospels and by Paul again in 1 Corinthians 5:6) in which the leaven represented a thorough, utterly complete change agent affecting itself and others [for good or bad]. Given my experience with yeast dough, I can see why biblical teachers like Jesus and Paul used leaven as a memorable way to talk about influence.
Dig-In Challenges
I’m anxious to learn more about this proverb, so this week my research will include more refining steps. If you want to dig deeper, too, here’s my plan:
- PRAY, of course.
- REFINE: Consult a concordance or online cross-reference study tool [I’ll be starting here] to find and read through the available cross-references for your focus verse(s) and log what the Spirit shows you.
NOTE: for your study, follow the above link, then use the Prev or Next buttons below the verse text to go to your focus verse(s).
- REFINE: Next, compare at least a few other translations of your focus verse(s) and write about what you find in your study journal. I’ll be comparing ESV, AMP, NIV, NLT, and GNT starting with this biblehub.com page. After following this link, you can navigate to your verse(s) by entering the reference in the Enter Reference or Keyword box at the top of the page and clicking the spyglass icon there.
- REFINE: Last, I plan to check a few commentaries on Galatians 5:9. If you already have a favorite study Bible or commentary, feel free to review it, too. If you don’t, I recommend bibleref.com if you’re new to the Bible or Bible study: it’s easy to following and you can find information about the whole book and this passage.
If you’re looking for something with more detail, try checking the commentary section of StudyLight.org. There, you can access verse-by-verse commentaries on Galatians 5 by clicking the box for your focus verse, then clicking the name of the commentary listed immediately under the text of the verse you chose. I recommend you review more than one commentary and listen to the Spirit’s guidance on them.
I encourage you to do what you can this week to dig deeper into God’s Word. I know you’ll find immense treasure there. And I hope you’ll check in with me again next week!
GO TO WEEK 7 >
by Jen | Feb 24, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello, friends. This past week marked the beginning of Lent—the forty days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026). How are you preparing your heart for the resurrected Savior? I’m glad you’re making time to be in God’s Word with me!
Last Week’s Work
COMPARISONS
The obvious comparison of LORD as Shepherd and David as sheep begins in verse 1 and flows through the whole psalm:
- The LORD is [=] my Shepherd (v1).
- [Shepherd] makes [sheep] lie down; leads [sheep] (v2).
- [Shepherd] leads [sheep] (v3).
- [Sheep] fear no evil, for [Shepherd is] with [sheep]; [Shepherd’s] rod and staff comfort [sheep] (v4).
I’m again reminded of safety in the Shepherd’s presence.
- [Shepherd] prepare[s] a table before [sheep] (v5).
- [Sheep] shall dwell in the house of the [Shepherd] forever (v6).
These last two verses remind me of a parable the prophet Nathan told David after he ordered the murder of Bathsheba’s husband. It featured a rich man with a large herd of sheep who stole and butchered a poor man’s only lamb. Nathan said the lamb shared [the poor man’s] food, drank from his cup, and even slept in his arms (2 Samuel 12:3)!
Other symbolic references:
- Valley of the shadow of death (v4): I think this says going into a confined area where evil and death lurk doesn’t frighten David. Instead, he’s comforted by the LORD’s presence.
- Rod and staff (v4): symbolic of supernatural protection and guidance?
- Anointing David’s head with oil (v5): this reminded me of the ceremony by which Samuel identified David as King Saul’s successor (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
- Overflowing cup (v5). I assume this signifies abundance.
- Goodness and mercy following David (v6): obviously, they can’t walk behind him. I think this might refer to David’s intended legacy?
CAUSES/MOTIVATIONS
I found just two instances of the connector “for” in this Psalm: in v3 and again in v4:
Verse 3
ACTION: [The LORD] leads me in paths of righteousness
CONNECTOR: for
EXPLANATION: [The LORD’s] name’s sake.
This is the second half of my focus verse. Literally, it says the LORD’s name is the reason the LORD leads David to righteousness. Now I really want to understand His name in this passage!!!
Verse 4
ACTION: [David] will fear no evil
CONNECTOR: for
EXPLANATION: [The LORD] is with [David]; [The LORD’s] rod and staff… comfort [David].
As noted above, the LORD’s presence emboldens David, even in frightening situations.
CONDITIONS/METHODS
Two actions for which conditions are specified in this Psalm are:
- Verse 1: If the LORD is David’s Shepherd, David doesn’t want for anything (divine provision).
- Verse 4: If the LORD (with rod and staff) is with David, he’s not afraid of evil, even in confined, shadowy, evil places.
Dig-In Challenges
This coming week, I’m planning to:
- PRAY. Of course!
- REFINE my understanding of this text by determining which of the following types of writing appear in Psalm 23: instruction, law, letter, narrative, poetry, or prophecy. I’ll note the types I find and from that determine whether the text should be interpreted literally.
- REFINE: Next, I’ll research the book’s historical context by referencing an Introduction to the Book of Psalms, starting here. These references may also contain a summary of the book’s content. If you’re working along with me, note any relevant or interesting facts you uncover in your review of these materials. Based on the writing type (from step 2, above) and what you discover in the introduction, should Psalm 23 be interpreted literally?
- REFINE: Last, I’ll be looking up the meaning of a few words and phrases from my focus verse using an interlinear Bible tool. I like Biblehub.com’s Hebrew tool for this research. To use it, follow the link above. You can scroll to the verse(s) you want to examine by clicking the blue arrow to the right of the verse citation (“Psalm 23:3”) for higher-numbered verses or the arrow to the left to view verses 1 and 2. Once you locate the verse, click the number in the Strong’s column that corresponds to the English word or phrase you’re researching. Note anything the Spirit highlights for you in the information provided.
I encourage you to use these tools and dig as much as you can this week. I pray the Spirit will bless your efforts, my friend!
GO TO WEEK 6 >
by Jen | Dec 30, 2025 | DISO studies, Galatians 5
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Welcome back!
Last Week’s Work
COMPARISONS
This time, my study focused on two main contrasts:
Freedom of faith in Christ with the Spirit vs. slavery to the law (vv1-6; 13-18):
I discovered that belief in Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for all sin means we don’t have to depend on obedience to the law (for example, circumcision requirements) to be considered sin-free and acceptable to God. Our faith alone is enough. That faith also brings our Helper, the Holy Spirit, into the picture to enable us to understand God’s Word and do His will. Under the law, though, God requires higher behavior standards than any human can reach. Nothing we do will be enough to save ourselves from sin and death.
Listed works of the flesh vs. listed fruit of the Spirit (vv19-23):
Works are the result of human effort. Since the fall of mankind, though, works can never be good enough to please God. And fruit is part of the natural reproduction process, ultimately successful only when God chooses, irrespective of human effort. As I looked at the two lists, it occurred to me so many of the works seem to be corruptions of the fruit. Isn’t that fitting of human attempts to appropriate God’s sovereignty? Where positive, beautiful things make up the fruit of the Spirit, the works of the flesh describe warped, destructive versions of the same.
CAUSES/MOTIVATIONS
How did the Spirit work with you as you examined causes in this text? I felt Him emphasizing the connections in verse 1 (which were a little challenging in the ESV, huh?) and verses 4-6. Here’s how I worked through them:
Verse 1
Action: Christ has set us free
Connector: for (because)
Reason: freedom
Christ set you free for freedom’s sake. This relates to Paul’s argument in Galatians 4:21-31 that the Galatians inherited freedom through Abraham and Sarah.
Reason: Christ has set us free
Connector: therefore (because Christ has set us free)
Action: stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery
Remember, with therefore, the reason comes first. Paul says they should stand firm and not submit to slavery [to the law] because Christ had set them free. Paul wanted them to fully benefit from the freedom that faith in Jesus brings.
Verses 4-6
Action: You who would be justified by the law are severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (v4)
Connector: for (because)
Reason: through the Spirit, by faith, we… eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness (v5).
Those who embrace the law have fallen away from grace because mankind can’t obey the law well enough to obtain the necessary righteousness. It only comes through the Spirit and by faith in Christ.
Action: through the Spirit, by faith, we … wait for the hope of righteousness (v5)
Connector: for (because)
Reason: in Jesus, [the law (i.e., circumcision) doesn’t count]; only faith working through love counts for anything (v6). We wait for righteousness by faith through the Spirit because faith working through love is the only thing that gets us there.
CONDITIONS/METHODS
In this exercise, the Spirit drew my attention to repetition I didn’t even notice before:
- Through love in verse 6 (how the Spirit and our faith work to bring about the hope of righteousness) and verse 13 (how Paul wanted the Galatians to serve each other). In other words, the Spirit, Christian love, and faith work together for our righteousness, so we don’t need to earn it by keeping every jot and tittle of the law.
- With that in mind, Paul advises them to walk by the Spirit and avoid the works of the flesh (v16). He also says being led by the Spirit frees them from the law (v18); and if we live by the Spirit, we should keep in step with the Spirit.
Dig-In Challenges
This week, I’ll start refining my understanding of this passage:
- PRAY. Of course!
- REFINE my understanding of this text by skimming Galatians to determine which of the following types of writing appears most often there: instruction, law, letter, narrative, poetry, or prophecy. Then I’ll reread chapter 5 to see what (if any) other types are in use. I’ll note the types I find and from that determine whether the text should be interpreted literally.
- REFINE: Next, I’ll research the book’s historical context by referencing an introduction to the book of Galatians. Many bound Bibles have an intro section immediately before Galatians 1, but I’m going to use the ESV online intro to Galatians. This reference, written by Bible publishers, provides historical details like who wrote the book, to whom, and when. It often also contains a summary of the book’s content. If you’re working along with me, note any relevant or interesting facts you uncover in your review of these materials. Based on what you discover about writing type and in the introduction, should Galatians 5 be interpreted literally?
- REFINE: Last, I’ll be looking up the meaning of a few words and phrases from my focus verse using an interlinear Bible tool. I like Biblehub.com’s Greek tool for this research. To use it, follow the link above. You can scroll to the verse(s) you want to examine by clicking the blue arrow to the right of the verse citation (“Galatians 5:9”) for higher-numbered verses or the arrow to the left to view verses 1 through 8. Once you locate the verse, click the number in the Strong’s column that corresponds to the English word or phrase you’re researching. Note anything the Spirit highlights for you in the information provided.
I encourage you to use these tools and dig as much as you can this week. I pray the Spirit will bless your efforts, my friend!
GO TO WEEK 6 >
by Jen | Feb 17, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello again. Here’s how the Spirit spoke to me through Psalm 23 this week:
Last Week’s Work
REPETITION
I found just one repeated concept: lead (vv2,3) / follow (v6); but the thing the Holy Spirit really impressed upon me here was presence. I don’t know a lot about shepherding a flock, but I get the impression that sheep should never be left unguarded: they have few natural defenses. Without guidance and protection, they can wander off a cliff or into water and be drowned by the weight of wet wool, etc., to say nothing of being unable to outrun a pack of predators. In certain circumstances, just the presence of the Shepherd could mean the difference between life and death for the herd. Knowing I’ll be looking at comparisons next week, this repetition tied to the Shepherd metaphor gives me some definite food for thought…
SPECIAL STATEMENTS:
In the meantime, though, how did you sort David’s statements in Psalm 23? I was torn between calling them blessings or promises. After considering the difference might be timeframes, though, I categorized the ten current positive statements as Blessings:
- The LORD is my shepherd (v1),
- He makes me lie in green pastures (v2),
- He leads me beside still waters (v2),
- He restores my soul (v3),
- He leads me in paths of righteousness (v3),
- You [LORD/Shepherd] are with me (v4),
- Your rod and staff comfort me (v4),
- You prepare my table in front of my enemies (v5),
- You anoint my head with oil (v5),
- My cup overflows (v5).
And the four future positive statements are Promises:
- I shall not want (v1)
- I will fear no evil—even when I walk through the valley of death’s shadow (v4)
- Goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life (v6)
- I shall dwell in the LORD’s house forever (v6).
Of course, these are statements David made about his own relationship with the LORD. Do they apply to me as they did to him? I hope so! I’m looking forward to getting more certainty around that in the Refine phase we’ll work through in a few weeks.
LISTS
Did you notice the groupings above also qualify as lists? I didn’t until I started writing this post! I am so amazed at the insight about the Sheperd’s presence and His role of defending the flock this week. Indeed, I am living proof He does exactly this!
Dig-In Challenges
This week, let’s wrap up Step 3 by:
- PRAYING: Use the prayer we wrote for Step 1.
- MINING: Read through the passage again looking for comparisons in or related to your focus verses. These may be statements of similarity featuring key words such as like, as,or so; qualitative comparisons indicating how one item is more or less than another; and/or contrasts that highlight or discuss how one concept differs from another.
- MINING: Next, look for causes or motives by focusing on key words or phrases I call cause connectors. In this study text, look for the connector for (where it means the same as because). Then check the text surrounding the connector for an action and the reason or explanation for that action. For example, in the sentence,
I went to the store, for I was out of milk,
the action = I went to the store for [because] the reason = I was out of milk.
NOTE: The word for doesn’t always connect an action and a reason. To determine if it does here, read the sentence(s) containing it while substituting the word because where you find the word for. If the sentence(s) created from this exercise make(s) sense and mean(s) the same as the original, note two things: (1) the action statement (typically before the for) and (2) the reason (after the for).
- MINING: Finally, see if you can find any conditions that trigger action in this narrative and/or descriptions of how action happens or should happen.
– For example, does the text say if or when a certain condition exists, some action takes place?
And/or
– Does the author describe a method or process (for example, specific steps) taken to achieve something?
Or
– Does he indicate how action is accomplished more generally by or through attributes or actions, e.g., saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)? And,
– Does the text include any adverbs (typically words ending in ly) that describe how action happens?
These exercises are more involved, I know, but I’m confident you can do this with the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to check your How to Dig Into Scripture Ourselves guide, and you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions.
GO TO WEEK 5 >
by Jen | Dec 23, 2025 | DISO studies, Galatians 5
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello again. Here’s what the Spirit helped me find this week:
Last Week’s Work
REPETITION
I noticed six emphasized terms in my review for repetition:
- free/freedom in v1 (twice) and v13 (twice).
- love in vv6, 13-14, 22.
- circumcision/uncircumcision in vv2-3, 6, 11.
- the law in vv3, 4, 14, 18, 23.
- desires in vv13, 16-17, 24.
- the flesh in vv17, 19, 24.
Paul tells the Galatians they were called to freedom, and it’s the reason Christ set them free. He cautions them not to abuse freedom by prioritizing obedience to law (which I suspect circumcision represents) over love. Nor should they succumb to the desires of the flesh. He points out love of neighbor fulfills all law and emphasizes love as the first listed fruit of the Spirit.
SPECIAL STATEMENTS:
I noticed several of these:
Six commands:
- stand firm (v2)
- do not submit … to a yoke of slavery (v2)
- do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh (v13)
- through love serve one another (v13)
- you shall love your neighbor as yourself (v14)
- walk by the Spirit (v16)
Three promises:
- the hope of righteousness (v5).
- in Christ Jesus … only faith working through love counts (v6).
- if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (v18).
Three curses:
- those who seek justification by the law are severed from Christ and have fallen away from grace (v4).
- the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty (v10).
- those who do [works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God (v21).
Six warnings:
- if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you (v2).
- every man who accepts circumcision … is obligated to keep the whole law (v3).
- this persuasion isn’t from him who calls you (v8).
- a little leaven leavens the whole lump (v9) (though I don’t yet know what he means by this).
- if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another (v15).
- those who do [works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God (v21).
Two requests:
- let’s keep in step with the Spirit (v25).
- let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (v26).
LISTS
The fifteen listed works of the flesh (vv19-21) are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, plus a catchall phrase, things like these.
Then he listed nine fruit(s?) of the Spirit (vv22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Next week in my comparison notes, I’ll comment more about the contrasts I see between these lists.
Dig-In Challenges
This week, let’s wrap up Step 3 by:
- PRAYING: Use the prayer we wrote for Step 1.
- MINING: Read through the passage again looking for comparisons in or related to your focus verses. These may be statements of similarity featuring key words such as like, as, or so; qualitative comparisons indicating how one item is more or less than another; and/or contrasts that highlight or discuss how one concept differs from another.
- MINING: Next, look for causes or motives by focusing on key words or phrases I call cause connectors. In this study text, look for four connectors: therefore, for (where it means the same as because), that (where it means so that), and to (where it means in order to). Then check the text surrounding the connector for an action and the reason or explanation for that action. For example: in the sentence, I went to the store, for I was out of milk:
the action = I went to the store for [because] the reason = I was out of milk.
NOTE A: the words for, to, and that don’t always connect an action and a reason. To determine if they do here, read the sentences containing each, substituting the original word with the synonymous word or phrase below:
For: substitute because
To: substitute in order to
That: substitute so that
If the sentence(s) created from this exercise make(s) sense and mean(s) the same as the original, note (1) the action statement (typically before the for, to, or that); and (2) the reason (after the for, to, or that).
NOTE B: In Galatians 5:1, the action-connector-reason order above may not apply depending on your translation. If you’re using my (ESV) Scripture study sheet, you’ll find both the actions and reasons before the for and therefore in that verse. It might be easier for you to use a different translation (for example, the New American Standard Bible) to search in verse 1.
- MINING: Finally, see if you can find any conditions that trigger action in this narrative and/or descriptions of how action happens or should happen.
– For example, does the text say if or when a certain condition exists, some action should or does take place?
And/or
– Does the author describe a particular method by which something happens? In other words, does he describe specific action(s) that achieve(s) something (e.g., in Romans 12:1, how does the author recommend the Romans accomplish spiritual worship)?
Or
– Does he indicate how action is accomplished more generally by or through attributes or actions, e.g., saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)?
Finally,
– Does the text include any adverbs (typically words ending in ly) that describe how action happens?
These exercises are more involved, I know, but I’m confident you can do this with the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to check your How to Dig Into Scripture Ourselves guide, and you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions.
GO TO WEEK 5 >
