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Bible Encyclopedias
Flesh
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
or @בּשׂר ,
1. Etymology
Used in all senses of the word, the latter, however, most frequently in the sense of kin, family, relationship (compare שׁארה ,
We can distinguish the following varieties of meaning in Biblical language:
2. Ordinary Sense
In a physical sense, the chief substance of the animal body, whether used for food and sacrifice, or not; also the flesh of man (Genesis 2:21; Exodus 21:10 m; Isaiah 31:3; Ezekiel 23:20; 1 Corinthians 15:39; Revelation 19:18 , Revelation 19:21 ).
3. The Body
The whole body. This meaning is the extension of the preceding (
4. The Term "All Flesh"
Flesh, as the common term for living things, animals and men, especially the latter (Genesis 6:13 , Genesis 6:17 , Genesis 6:19; Numbers 16:22; Jeremiah 12:12; Mark 13:20 ); often in the phrase "all flesh" (Psalm 65:2; Isaiah 40:5 , Isaiah 40:6; Jeremiah 25:31; Ezekiel 20:48; Joel 2:28; Luke 3:6 ).
5. As Opposed to the Spirit
Flesh as opposed to the spirit, both of which were comprised in the preceding meaning (Genesis 6:3; Psalm 16:9; Luke 24:39 , where "flesh and bones" are combined; John 6:63 ). Thus we find in John 1:14 , "The Word became flesh"; 1 Timothy 3:16 , "He who was manifested in the flesh"; 1 John 4:2 , and all passages where the incarnation of Christ is spoken of. The word in this sense approaches the meaning of "earthly life," as in Philippians 1:22 , Philippians 1:24 , "to live in the flesh," "to abide in the flesh"; compare Philippians 1:16 and perhaps 2 Corinthians 5:16 . Under this meaning we may enumerate expressions such as "arm of flesh" (2 Chronicles 32:8; Jeremiah 17:5 ), "eyes of flesh" (Job 10:4 ), etc. Frequently the distinction is made to emphasize the weakness or inferiority of the flesh, as opposed to the superiority of the spirit (Isaiah 31:3; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Romans 6:19 ). In this connection we mention also the expression "flesh and blood," a phrase borrowed from rabbinical writings and phraseology (see also Sirach 14:18, "the generation of flesh and blood," and 17:31, "man whose desire is flesh and blood" the King James Version). The expression does not convey, as some have supposed, the idea of inherent sinfulness of the flesh (a doctrine borrowed by Gnostic teachers from oriental sources), but merely the idea of ignorance and frailty in comparison with the possibilities of spiritual nature. The capabilities of our earthly constitution do not suffice to reveal unto us heavenly truths; these must always come to us from above. So Peter's first recognition of the Divine sonship of Jesus did not proceed from a logical conviction based upon outward facts acting upon his mind, but was based upon a revelation from God vouchsafed to his inner consciousness. Christ says therefore to him: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17 ). Similarly the kingdom of God, being a realm of perfect spiritual submission to God, cannot be inherited by flesh and blood (1 Corinthians 15:50 ), nor was the richly endowed mind a competent tribunal to which Paul could refer his heaven-wrought conviction of his great salvation and the high calling to be a witness and apostle of Christ, so he did well that he "conferred not with flesh and blood" (Galatians 1:16 ). That "flesh and blood" does not imply a sense of inherent sinfulness is moreover shown in all passages where Christ is declared a partaker of such nature (Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 2:14 , where, however, we find in the original text the inverted phrase "blood and flesh").
6. Applied to the Carnal Nature
Flesh in the sense of carnal nature (σάρκικος ,
7. In the Sense of Relationship
Flesh in the sense of relationship, tribal connection, kith and kin. For examples, see what has been said above on Hebrew
8. Other Meanings
Some other subdivisions of meanings might be added, for example where "flesh" takes almost the place of "person," as in Colossians 2:1 : "as many as have not seen my face in the flesh," i.e. have not known me personally, or Colossians 2:5 , "absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit," etc.
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Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Flesh'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/f/flesh.html. 1915.
