WORD OF WISDOM

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; Comp. Isaiah 31:3; Psalm 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" (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: Easton's Bible Dictionary