Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Flesh

In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Genesis 2:21; 41:2; Psalm 102:5 , marg.); (2) the whole body (Psalm 16:9 ); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Genesis 6:12,13 ); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chronicles 32:8; Compare Isaiah 31:3; Psalm 78:39 ). As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 11:19 ). The expression "my flesh and bone" (Judges 9:2; Isaiah 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" (Romans 6:19; Matthew 16:17 ). Being "in the flesh" means being unrenewed (Romans 7:5; 8:8,9 ), and to live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully (Romans 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 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:3 ).