the Week of Proper 22 / Ordinary 27
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Bible Encyclopedias
Flesh
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
This word bears a variety of significations in Scripture:—
1. It is applied, generally, to the whole animated creation, whether man or beast; or, to all beings whose material substance is flesh (;;; , etc.).
2. But it is more particularly applied to 'mankind;' and is, in fact, the only Hebrew word which answers to that term (;;; ). In this sense it is used somewhat figuratively to denote that evil principle which is opposed to the spirit, and to God, and which it is necessary to correct and subdue (;;;; , etc.)
3. The word 'flesh' is opposed to 'soul,' or 'spirit,' just as we oppose body and soul (;; ).
4. The ordinary senses of the word, namely the flesh of men or beasts (;; ), and flesh as used for food (; ), are both sufficiently obvious; and with respect to the latter see Food.
5. The word 'flesh' is also used as a modest general term for the secret parts, in such passages as;;;;;; . In , the 'flesh of the intemperate' is described as being consumed by infamous diseases.
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Flesh'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​kbe/​f/flesh.html.