Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "carnal" is derived from the Latin word "carnalis," which means "fleshly" or "pertaining to the flesh." In the context of the Bible, "carnal" often refers to the sinful nature of humanity, characterized by desires and actions that are contrary to the will and Spirit of God. The concept of carnality is primarily discussed in the New Testament, where it is contrasted with spiritual living.Biblical Usage and Context 1. Romans 8:5-8: The Apostle Paul provides a clear distinction between the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. He writes, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God" . Here, Paul emphasizes that a carnal mindset leads to spiritual death and is inherently opposed to God. 2. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3: Paul addresses the Corinthian church, highlighting their spiritual immaturity and carnal behavior. He states, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?" . In this passage, Paul equates carnality with spiritual infancy and worldly behavior, such as jealousy and division. 3. Galatians 5:16-17: Paul advises believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want" . This passage highlights the internal conflict between the carnal nature and the Spirit, urging believers to live by the Spirit to overcome fleshly desires. Characteristics of Carnality Carnality is often associated with behaviors and attitudes that are self-centered and indulgent. These include: · Immorality: Engaging in sexual immorality and other sinful acts that gratify the flesh. · Jealousy and Strife: As seen in 1 Corinthians 3, jealousy and strife are indicators of a carnal mindset. · Hostility to God: A carnal mind is described as being hostile to God and unable to submit to His law (Romans 8:7). Theological Implications From a theological perspective, carnality represents the ongoing struggle between the old sinful nature and the new life in Christ. Believers are called to put to death the deeds of the flesh and live by the Spirit (Romans 8:13). The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life empowers them to overcome carnal desires and grow in spiritual maturity. Practical Application Christians are encouraged to examine their lives for signs of carnality and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming these tendencies. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers are essential in cultivating a life that is led by the Spirit rather than the flesh. Easton's Bible Dictionary Unconverted men are so called (1 Corinthians 3:3). They are represented as of a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Romans 8:6, 7). Enjoyments that minister to the wants and desires of man's animal nature are so called (Romans 15:27; 1 Corinthians 9:11). The ceremonial of the Mosaic law is spoken of as "carnal," because it related to things outward, the bodies of men and of animals, and the purification of the flesh (Hebrews 7:16; 9:10). The weapons of Christian warfare are "not carnal", that is, they are not of man's device, nor are wielded by human power (2 Corinthians 10:4). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Sensual; pertaining to the body or its appetites; fleshly; sensual; human or worldly as opposed to spiritual.2. (a.) Flesh-devouring; cruel; ravenous; bloody. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CARNALkar'-nal: In the Old Testament there is an expression which indicates sexual intercourse shikhebhath zera`, "lying of seed," (Leviticus 18:20; Leviticus 19:20 Numbers 5:13). In the New Testament the words rendered "carnal" are derived from sarks, "flesh." This refers to the flesh as opposed to the pneuma, "spirit," and denotes, in an ethical sense, mere human nature, the lower side of man as apart from the Divine influence, and therefore estranged from God and prone to sin; whatever in the soul is weak and tends toward ungodliness (see FLESH). Thus one may be carnal (sarkinos), sold under sin (Romans 7:14). Christians may be carnal (sarkinos, 1 Corinthians 3:1; sarkikos, 1 Corinthians 3:3); the lower side of their being is dominant and not the spirit, hence, they fall into sins of envy and strife. The weapons of the Christian warfare are not carnal, not merely human (of the flesh the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version), but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4); "not after the law of a carnal commandment" (Hebrews 7:16); "The carnal mind is enmity against God" ("mind of the flesh" the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version, Romans 8:7). So, "to be carnally minded is death" ("mind of the flesh" the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version, Romans 8:6). There are "carnal ordinances," in contrast to the spiritual ones of the gospel (Hebrews 9:10); "Minister unto them in carnal things," those that pertain to the body in contrast to spiritual things (Romans 15:27 1 Corinthians 9:11). The same expressions are elsewhere rendered "fleshly" (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American) "hearts of flesh"; 1 Peter 2:11). Greek 4559. sarkikos -- pertaining to the flesh, carnal ... pertaining to the flesh, carnal. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: sarkikos Phonetic Spelling: (sar-kee-kos') Short Definition: fleshly, carnal ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4559.htm - 7k 4561. sarx -- flesh 4560. sarkinos -- of the flesh 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... 4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier 4152. pneumatikos -- spiritual Strong's Hebrew 4904. mishkab -- place of lying, a couch, act of lying... From shakab; a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse -- bed((-chamber)), couch, lieth (lying) with. see HEBREW shakab. ... /hebrew/4904.htm - 6k Library Whether Carnal Intercourse is an Integral Part of this Sacrament? Whether Spiritual Sins are Fittingly Distinguished from Carnal ... Whether Carnal Sins are of Less Guilt than Spiritual Sins? Of Carnal Life, which is to be Understood not Only of Living in ... Parting with Carnal Joys. The Humble Enlightened, and Carnal Reason Humbled; Or, the ... The Carnal Mind Enmity against God Whether Carnal Intercourse after Consent Expressed in Words of the ... The Carnal Mind is Unable to Comprehend this Doctrine of the ... October 13. "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God" (Rom. viii. 7) ... Thesaurus Carnal (11 Occurrences)... Unconverted men are so called (1 Corinthians 3:3). They are represented as of a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Romans 8:6, 7). Enjoyments that ... /c/carnal.htm - 13k Natural (49 Occurrences) Knowledge Flesh (468 Occurrences) Man (26072 Occurrences) Whereas (55 Occurrences) Envying (8 Occurrences) Emulation (5 Occurrences) Enmity (23 Occurrences) Divisions (92 Occurrences) Resources What is a carnal Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is easy believism? | GotQuestions.org What is cheap grace? | GotQuestions.org Carnal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Carnal (11 Occurrences)Romans 7:14 Romans 8:7 Romans 15:27 1 Corinthians 3:1 1 Corinthians 3:3 1 Corinthians 3:4 1 Corinthians 9:11 2 Corinthians 10:4 Hebrews 7:16 Hebrews 9:10 Ezekiel 16:36 Subtopics Carnal Mindedness: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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