flesh
This word has various meanings in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, it denotes:
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a particular part of the body of man and animals (Gen. 2:21; 41:2; Ps. 102:5, marginal note.)
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the whole body (Ps. 16:9)
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all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Gen. 6:12-13)
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mutability and weakness (2 Chr. 32:8; compare Isa. 31:3; Ps. 78:39).
As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression “heart of flesh” (Ezek. 11:19). The expression “my flesh and bone” (Judg. 9:2; Isa. 58:7) denotes relationship.
In the New Testament, besides these it is also used to denote the sinful element of human nature as opposed to the “Spirit” (Rom. 6:19; Matt. 16:17). Being “in the flesh” means being unrenewed (Rom. 7:5; 8:8-9), and to live “according to the flesh” is to live and act sinfully (Rom. 8:4-5, 7, 12).
This word also denotes the human nature of Christ (John 1:14, “The Word was made flesh.” Compare also 1 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 1:3).
ALSO SEE:
- sin
- fall of man
- carnal
- Is Jesus Christ really God? Answer (for adults)
- Is Jesus Christ a man, or is he God? Answer (for kids)
- Was Jesus Christ God, manifest in human form? Answer
- Humiliation of Christ
- If Jesus was the Son of God, why did He call Himself the Son of Man? Answer
- If Jesus is God, how could he die? If Jesus died on the cross, then how can he be alive today? Answer
- Could Christ have sinned? Answer