The word “fruit” is the genitive singularnoun “karpos,” meaning “fruit,” as opposed to “fruits.” It is important to understand that this word is in the singular, because it speaks of one “fruit” (or “production”) with a nine-fold manifestation. In other words, there are not nine different fruits mentioned here, but one fruit with nine different characteristics. The phrase “of the Spirit” is the definite article “tou” plus the ablative singular noun “Pneumatos,” which makes it clear that the source of this production is the Holy Spirit.

 

GAL 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is…

 

            “Is” is the present active indicative form of the verb “eimi,” which is “estin,” meaning “keeps on being.” This present tense is what we call an iterative present, describing what occurs at successive intervals; it is a present tense of repeated action. It was written as a tendential present to the Galatians, because they did not have the fruit of the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who produces this in our lives, and not us! It is the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the believer. The indicative mood makes a declarative statement of dogmatic fact, under the conditions of being controlled by the Spirit and advancing in doctrine.

 

GAL 5:22* But the production of the Spirit keeps on being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…

               We now have nine characteristics that co-exist under the filling of the Spirit and can not be separated. The measure of their manifestation is based on the believer’s spiritual growth from the doctrine he has learned. They are not all manifested at the same time; they are manifested under certain conditions, and as you grow, they increase in your life.