Flesh

In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Gen. 2:21; 41:2; Ps. 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Ps. 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Gen. 6:12, 13); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chr. 32:8; comp. Isa. 31:3; Ps. 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” (Judg. 9:2; Isa. 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” (Rom. 6:19; Matt. 16:17). Being “in the flesh” means being unrenewed (Rom. 7:5; 8:8, 9), and to live “according to the flesh” is to live and act sinfully (Rom. 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 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 1:3).

[Flood]

FLESH is used figuratively for everything living, Gen 6:13, Gen 6:17, Gen 6:19; sometimes mankind, Zech 6:12; sometimes the body as distinguished from the soul or spirit. Col 2:5; 1 Pet 4:6. In a theological sense, "the flesh" is the natural man. including the unrenewed will and mind, moving in the world of self and sense only. Rom 7:6; Neh 8:1, Song of Solomon 8:5, Rom 8:9; Gal 5:17, Gal 5:19; Eph 2:3. Self-imposed ordinances gratify the flesh — i.e, self — whilst seemingly mortifying it.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.

2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from fish. With roasted flesh, or milk, and wastel bread. Chaucer.

3. The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person. As if this flesh, which walls about our life, Were brass impregnable. Shak.

4. The human eace; mankind; humanity. All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Gen. vi. 12.

5. Human nature:

6. In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness. There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart. Cowper.

7. In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality.

8. Kindred; stock; race. He is our brother and our flesh. Gen. xxxvii. 27.

9. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To feed with flesh, as an incitement to further exertion; to initiate; -- from the practice of training hawks and dogs by feeding them with the first game they take, or other flesh. Hence, to use upon flesh (as a murderous weapon) so as to draw blood, especially for the first time. Full bravely hast thou fleshed Thy maiden sword. Shak. The wild dog Shall flesh his tooth on every innocent. Shak.

2. To glut; to satiate; hence, to harden, to accustom. "Fleshed in triumphs." Glanvill. Old soldiers Fleshed in the spoils of Germany and France. Beau. & Fl.

3. To remove flesh, membrance, etc., from, as from hides.