Flesh: 7 definitions

Introduction:

Flesh means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. On this page you will also find search and cross-referencing tools.

In Christianity

General definition (in Christianity)

Source: archive.org: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Flesh definition and references: In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Genesis 2:21; 41:2; Psalms 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Psalms 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; comp. Isaiah 31:3; Psalms 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.” Comp. also 1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:3).

Source: archive.org: Smith's Bible Dictionary

Flesh refers to:—[Flood]

Source: archive.org: Nave's Topical Bible

Flesh definition and references: –Figurative
–Fruits of Galatians 5:19-21
Symolical
–Body of Christ symbolized by the bread John 6:51-63

Source: archive.org: Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

Flesh refers to:—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.

Source: archive.org: Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Flesh refers to:—In an ethical sense opposed to "the spirit." Genesis 6:3, "for that lie also (even the race of godly Seth) (is become) flesh (carnal)." When the salt of the church has lost its savor, the whole mass is corrupt and ripe for judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:26, "wise after the flesh," i.e. with wisdom acquired by mere human study without the Spirit. Contrast Matthew 16:17; Matthew 26:41. Not the body, which is not in itself sinful; it was through thinking it so that Gnostic ascetics mortified it by austerities, while all the while their seeming neglecting of the body was pampering "the flesh" (Colossians 2:21-23). "The flesh" is the natural man, including the unrenewed will and mind, moving in the world of self and sense only.

Self imposed ordinances gratify the flesh (i.e. self) while seemingly mortifying it. "Trouble in the flesh" is in their outward state, namely, through the present distress (1 Corinthians 7:28). So John 6:63, "it is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and are life." Not the outward flesh, but the word of Christ, is what gives life. So Peter understood Christ, as his reply shows: "Thou hast the words of eternal life." "To know Christ after the flesh" (2 Corinthians 5:16) means to know Him in His mere outward worldly relations, with a view to "glorying" in them (John 8:15; Philippians 3:3-10); as Judaizing Christians prided themselves on the fleshly advantage of belonging to Israel, the nation of Christ, or on having seen Him in the flesh, as a ground of superiority over others (2 Corinthians 11:18; 2 Corinthians 10:7).

Contrasted with knowing Him spiritually as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Outward rebellions toward Him profit nothing (Luke 8:19-21; John 16:7; John 16:22; Matthew 7:22-23). All outward distinctions are lost sight of in experiment, ally knowing Him in His new resurrection life (Galatians 2:6; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 3:28; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 4:1-2); disproving both Mariolatry and transubstantiation. In Romans 4:1, "what hath Abraham found, as pertaining to the flesh?" i.e. as respects carnal ordinances (circumcision). "All flesh," i.e.

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