Flesh
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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 Genesis 6:13 ); (4) mutability and weakness ( 2 Chronicles 32:8 ; Compare 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 ; Romans 8:8 Romans 8:9 ), and to live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully ( Romans 8:4 Romans 8:5 Romans 8:7 Romans 8:12 ).
This word also denotes the human nature of Christ ( John 1:14 , "The Word was made flesh." Compare also 1 Timothy 3:16 ; Romans 1:3 ).
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[B] indicates this entry was also found in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary
[S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. "Entry for Flesh". "Easton's Bible Dictionary".