The Flesh as Opposed to God in Scripture
The term "flesh" (Greek sarx) in Scripture carries multiple meanings, ranging from the literal physical body to a metaphorical representation of humanity's sinful nature opposed to God [3, 6]. In the Old Testament, "flesh" can refer to a specific body part, the entire body, all living creatures, or humanity as a whole [3]. It also denotes mutability and weakness, as seen in phrases like "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 11:19) or "my flesh and bone" signifying relationship [3].
However, in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, "flesh" frequently takes on a negative connotation, signifying human existence apart from God [6]. This usage describes a state dominated by sin and hostility toward God [6]. For instance, Romans 8:7 states that "what is preferred by the flesh, [is] hostile towards God, for, unto the law of God, it doth not submit itself, neither in fact can it" [2]. This "flesh" is not merely the physical body, but rather the corrupt nature that remains even in regenerate persons, influencing their desires and actions [4]. John Gill explains that this corruption is called "flesh" because it is propagated by carnal generation, seeks carnal things, and manifests its lusts through the body [4].
The opposition between "flesh" and "Spirit" is a key theme. Paul urges believers to "walk by the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" [7]. This highlights a spiritual conflict within individuals, where the desires of the flesh are contrary to the desires of the Spirit [4, 7]. The body itself is not inherently evil; 1 Corinthians 6:13 states, "the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body" [1]. Instead, it is the sinful element associated with the flesh that stands in opposition to God [3, 6]. This distinction is crucial, as "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God," indicating that the current, unredeemed state of humanity is incompatible with heavenly glory [5].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 6:13 — Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.”
- Romans “Romans 8:7 (Rotherham) — Inasmuch as, what is preferred by the flesh, [is] hostile towards God, for, unto the law of God, it doth not submit itself, neither in fact can it.—”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Flesh — In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Gen. 2:21; 41:2; Ps. 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Ps. 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Gen. 6:12, 13); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chr. 32:8; comp. 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 eleme”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 5:16: For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,.... By "flesh" is meant, not the carnal or literal sense of the Scripture, which is Origen's gloss, as militating against the spiritual sense of it; nor the sensual part of man rebelling against his rational powers; but the corruption of nature, which still is in regenerate persons: and is so called because it is propagated by carnal generation; has for its object carnal things; its lusts and works are fleshly; and though it has its seat in the heart, it shows itself in the flesh or members of the body, which are yielded as”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 15:47: Now this I say, brethren,.... Upon the whole, I assert this, and observe it to you, out of a truly Christian respect for you, as brethren in the Lord, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God: this shows the necessity there is of a difference between the body that now is, and that which shall be, which the apostle has so largely insisted on, and so clearly proved and explained, in the preceding verses; because the body, as it now is, is not capable of possessing the heavenly glory; was it to be introduced into heaven, in the condition it is now”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:5: 7:5 old nature (literally flesh): Although “flesh” can refer to the human body in a neutral sense (see 8:3, which speaks of Christ coming “in the flesh”), Paul more often uses the word negatively, to denote human existence apart from God. To be “in the flesh” is to be dominated by sin and its hostility to God. • the law aroused these evil desires: The law of God is a good thing in itself (see 7:12), but it arouses sinful tendencies by provoking the rebellion that is in people’s hearts. When we are in rebellion against God, his commands spark in us a desire to do th”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: between the spirit and the flesh.”—Lightfoot.—G.A.] path which makes duty easy, and secures what had been said, a path whereby love is generated, and which is fenced in by love. For nothing, nothing I say, renders us so susceptible of love, as to be spiritual, and nothing is such an inducement to the Spirit to abide in us, as the strength of love. Therefore he says, “Walk by the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh:” having spoken of the cause of the disease, he likewise mentions the remedy which confers health. A”