Galatians 5:15

“But if ye bite and devour one another, etc..] Another reason inducing to love is taken from the pernicious consequences of a contrary spirit and conduct. The allusion is to beasts of prey falling upon and devouring one another: for wolves or dogs to worry sheep is not strange; but for sheep to distress one another is unnatural. The apostle does not say, if grievous wolves should enter in among you and not spare the flock; but suggests if they themselves should act the part of wolves to one another; having reference to their controversies about the law and circumcision, and the necessity thereof to justification and salvation; which were managed with great heat and bitterness, occasioned…”

“bite--backbite the character. devour--the substance by injuring, extortion, &c. (Hab 1:13; Mat 23:14; Co2 11:20). consumed, &c.--Strength of soul, health of body, character, and resources, are all consumed by broils [BENGEL].”

“But if ye bite - The word used here (δάκνω daknō), means, properly, to bite, to sting; and here seems to be used in the sense of contending and striving - a metaphor not improbably taken from dogs and wild beasts. And devour one another - As wild beasts do. The sense is, “if you contend with each other;” and the reference is, probably, to the strifes which would arise between the two parties in the churches - the Jewish and the Gentile converts. Take heed that ye be not consumed ... - As wild beasts contend sometimes until both are slain. Thus, the idea is, in their contentions they would destroy the spirituality and happiness of each other; their characters would be ruined; and the church…”

“But if - On the contrary, in consequence of the divisions which those troublers have occasioned among you, ye bite one another by evil speaking. And devour one another - By railing and clamour. Take heed ye be not consumed one of another - By bitterness, strife, and contention, our health and strength, both of body and soul, are consumed, as well as our substance and reputation. Galatians 5:16”

“5:15 The opposite of love is biting and devouring one another (cp. Ps 35:25; Prov 30:14; Jer 8:17). People who do not love are characterized by strife and bitterness. They will end up destroying one another. By contrast, love gives life to others (John 3:16; 15:12-13).”

“Gal 5:26; Sa2 2:26, Sa2 2:27; Isa 9:20, Isa 9:21, Isa 11:5-9, Isa 11:13; Co1 3:3, Co1 6:6-8; Co2 11:20; Co2 12:20; Jam 3:14-18, Jam 4:1-3 Galatians 5:16”