What constitutes the flesh?

Definition and Biblical Terminology

Scripture commonly uses the term “flesh” to describe humanity in its physical and sometimes fallen condition. In the Old Testament (Hebrew: בָּשָׂר / basar), “flesh” can simply mean the material substance of the body (Genesis 2:21) or all living beings (Genesis 6:12). In the New Testament (Greek: σάρξ / sarx), the word can also imply the human propensity toward sinfulness (Romans 7:18). While there are various nuances, “flesh” in the broader biblical context often encompasses both the tangible human body and the moral or spiritual weaknesses that accompany our earthly state.

Physical Aspect of the Flesh

The Bible affirms that humanity’s physical form was intentionally created. “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7). This highlights that the flesh, as a physical substance, is not inherently evil. Throughout Scripture, physical bodies are portrayed as created by God and worthy of care (Psalm 139:13–14; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This physicality underscores our embodiment and our connection to God’s created world.

Archaeological findings, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran, help confirm that ancient Israelitig texts consistently portray the physical nature of humanity as a purposeful creation. The uniformity of manuscript evidence in passages like Genesis 1–2, which emphasize God’s intentional formation of the body, reinforces this view of the flesh as part of God’s good design.

Spiritual Aspect of the Flesh

Beyond the physical, Scripture frequently uses “flesh” to describe humanity’s tendency toward sin and self-indulgence. This moral or spiritual aspect of the flesh depicts the influence of a fallen human nature. Paul’s words in Romans are particularly revealing: “For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18). Here, the apostle is highlighting a discernible power at work in human beings which opposes God’s righteousness.

Elsewhere, “the flesh” symbolizes the inherent weakness and impurity of human nature after the entry of sin into the world (Romans 5:12). It is this fallen nature that predisposes individuals to wrongdoing, rebellion against divine authority, and spiritual blindness (Ephesians 4:18).

Flesh Versus Spirit

Scripture teaches a strong contrast between living “according to the flesh” and living “according to the Spirit.” According to Galatians, “The flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” (Galatians 5:17). This tension is at the heart of the Christian experience.

To “live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) means allowing God’s transformative power to guide thoughts, actions, and desires. Living “by the flesh,” however, means succumbing to self-centered impulses, fueled by pride and worldly longings. This contrast underscores that, even though believers have been made new in Christ, the vestiges of the old nature can still tempt them.

Consequences of Living According to the Flesh

Distinct spiritual, relational, and practical repercussions arise from choosing to follow fleshly impulses. Romans 8:6 warns, “The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” Allowing carnal instincts to rule leads to estrangement from God, disrupted relationships, and an absence of spiritual vitality.

In a broader sense, the entire human story since the Fall bears witness to the destructiveness spawned by giving free rein to sinful desires (Genesis 3:6 and onward). Historical and even present-day testimonies confirm that cruelty, injustice, and moral decay often arise when societies lose sight of God’s moral framework. This experiential evidence aligns with scriptural teachings about the consequences of indulging the flesh.

Hope Beyond the Flesh

While Scripture takes seriously the reality of sinful flesh, it also proclaims hope through redemption. “God, who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32), has provided salvation by giving believers a new nature. Those who trust in Christ are indwelt by His Spirit, giving them power to overcome sinful desires (Galatians 2:20).

This redemption is rooted in the historically attested resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Multiple manuscripts, including early papyri (e.g., P66 and P75), and corroborations from sources like Josephus, reinforce the consistent early testimony of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This central event assures believers they can walk in newness of life, freeing them from the destructive patterns of the flesh (Romans 6:4).

Practical Implications for Daily Living

1. Renewing the Mind: Equipping oneself with Scripture is vital. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Immersion in biblical truth recalibrates desires away from the flesh and toward the things of God.

2. Walking by the Spirit: Deliberately inviting the Holy Spirit’s guidance counters natural impulses. Seeking divine wisdom through prayer and worship fosters inner transformation (Galatians 5:25).

3. Accountability and Community: Scripture acknowledges the importance of mutual counsel and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25). Surrounding oneself with supportive believers helps guard against temptation and provides helpful correction.

4. Reliance on Grace: Always recognizing that any victory over sinful patterns comes through divine grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). This dependence on Christ reveals the sufficiency of His power in our weakness.

Conclusion

From the earliest pages of Genesis to the apostolic writings of the New Testament, “the flesh” encapsulates both the physical bodies humanity inhabits and the spiritually compromised condition passed down from the Fall. Yet, the promise revealed in Scripture offers redemption. By God’s design and through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, individuals can live in a way that transcends fallen nature.

Whether studying the original Hebrew texts preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls or examining the Greek manuscripts that undergird modern translations, readers consistently see a unified message: “the flesh” is real and fallen, but God’s grace in Christ offers victory. Recognizing these truths about the flesh not only helps believers understand their own inclinations but also highlights the depth of divine mercy and the power of the Spirit to transform every aspect of life.