Lexical Summary sarkikos: Fleshly, carnal, worldly Original Word: σαρκικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carnal, fleshly. From sarx; pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate -- carnal, fleshly. see GREEK sarx HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4559 sarkikós– fleshly (carnal). 4559 (sarkikós) pertains "to behavior which is typical of human nature, but with special focus upon more base physical desires" (L & N, 1, 41.42). See 4561 /sarks ("flesh"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sarx Definition pertaining to the flesh, carnal NASB Translation flesh (1), fleshly (4), material things (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4559: σαρκικόςσαρκικός, σαρκικῇ, σαρκικον (σάρξ), fleshly, carnal (Vulg.carnalis); 1. having the nature of flesh, i. e. under the control of the animal appetites (see σάρξ, 3), Romans 7:14 Rec. (see σάρκινος, 3); governed by mere human nature (see σάρξ, 4) not by the Spirit of God, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 3, also 4 R G; having its seat in the animal nature or roused by the animal nature, αἱ σαρκικαι ἐπιθυμίαι, 1 Peter 2:11; equivalent to human: with the included idea of weakness, ὅπλα, 2 Corinthians 10:4; with the included idea of depravity, σαρκικά σοφία (i. e. πανουργία, 2 Corinthians 4:2), 2 Corinthians 1:12. ((Anthol. Pal. 1, 107; cf. ἀπέχου τῶν σαρκικῶν καί σωματικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν, 'Teaching etc. 1, 4 [ET]). Cf. Trench, Synonyms, § lxxi.) 2. pertaining to the flesh, i. e. to the body (see σάρξ, 2): relating to birth, lineage, etc., ἐντολή, Hebrews 7:16 Rec.; τά σαρκικά, things needed for the sustenance of the body, Romans 15:27; 1 Corinthians 9:11, (Aristotle, h. anim. 10, 2, p. 635a, 11; Plutarch, de placit. philos. 5, 3, 7; once in the Sept., 2 Chronicles 32:8 Complutensian). The adjective rendered “fleshly” or “carnal” functions as a probing diagnostic of life governed by fallen human appetites rather than by the Holy Spirit. While it can describe what pertains merely to physical existence, its principal New Testament force is ethical and spiritual, exposing attitudes and behaviors shaped by the unregenerate self. Distribution in the New Testament The term appears seven times, all in epistles addressing congregational life and discipleship dilemmas. Six uses are Pauline (Romans 15:27; 1 Corinthians 3:3, 3:3; 9:11; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 10:4) and one Petrine (1 Peter 2:11). Each context contrasts “fleshly” priorities with spiritual maturity, highlighting the tension between redeemed identity and lingering sinful impulses. Pauline Usage 1. 1 Corinthians 3:3 twice labels factions and jealousy in the Corinthian church “fleshly.” Immaturity is not measured by doctrine alone but by interpersonal conduct. Collectively, Paul exposes pride, rivalry, and worldly strategizing as “fleshly,” yet he affirms responsible care for bodily needs when subordinated to gospel aims. Petrine Usage 1 Peter 2:11 broadens the application: “Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from fleshly passions, which wage war against your soul.” Here inward desires, not merely actions, are in view. The participial phrase “which wage war” portrays persistent hostility between sinful cravings and the believer’s true self. Theological Themes • Moral Polarization: The adjective consistently stands opposite “spiritual,” pressing the reader to choose allegiance. Historical Perspective First-century congregations navigated honor-shame cultures, patronage expectations, and philosophical rhetoricians who prized clever persuasion. Paul’s rejection of “fleshly” wisdom and weaponry confronted societal norms, insisting that authentic ministry cannot be advanced by manipulation, factionalism, or mere eloquence. Peter’s exhortation addressed believers marginalized within the Roman Empire, warning that capitulating to sensual pressures would undermine their witness among the Gentiles. Ministry Application • Discern Motives: Leaders should assess whether strategies arise from prayerful dependence or pragmatic calculation. Relationship to Other Biblical Concepts While related to “flesh” as the locus of sin (Romans 7:18), the adjective highlights the outward manifestations of that inward principle. Conversely, “spiritual” life reflects the renewing work of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The tension between these spheres informs the call to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24) and walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). In sum, the seven occurrences of this adjective chart a course from diagnosis to deliverance: exposing the pervasive reach of flesh-driven attitudes, yet also directing believers toward Spirit-empowered living that honors Christ in both spiritual and material realms. Englishman's Concordance Romans 15:27 Adj-DNPGRK: ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς NAS: to them also in material things. KJV: unto them in carnal things. INT: in to the fleshly things to minister to them 1 Corinthians 3:3 Adj-NMP 1 Corinthians 3:3 Adj-NMP 1 Corinthians 9:11 Adj-ANP 2 Corinthians 1:12 Adj-DFS 2 Corinthians 10:4 Adj-NNP 1 Peter 2:11 Adj-GFP Strong's Greek 4559 |
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