Meaning
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 (2Chr 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 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." Comp. also 1Tim 3:16; Rom 1:3).
