Flesh

Flesh - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

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).

Flesh - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

FLESH, n. [I know not the primary sense; it may be soft.]

1. A compound substance forming a large part of an animal, consisting of the softer solids, as distinguished from the bones and the fluids. Under the general appellation of flesh, we include the muscles, fat, glands _c., which invest the bones and are covered with the skin. It is sometimes restricted to the muscles.

2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable.

Flesh without being qualified with acids, is too alkalescent a diet.

3. The body of beasts and fowls used as food, distinct from fish. In Lent, the Catholics abstain from flesh, but eat fish.

4. The body, as distinguished from the soul.

As if this flesh, which walls about our life,

Were brass impregnable.

5. Animal nature; animals of all kinds.

The end of all flesh is come before me. Gen 6.

6. Men in general; mankind.

My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh. Gen 6.

7. Human nature.

The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1.

8. Carnality; corporeal appetites.

Fasting serves to mortify the flesh.

The flesh lusteth against the spirit. Gal 5.

9. A carnal state; a state of unrenewed nature.

They that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8.

10. The corruptible body of man, or corrupt nature.

Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor 15.

11. The present life; the state of existence in this world.

To abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Phil 1.

12. Legal righteousness, and ceremonial services.

What shall we then say that Abraham, our father as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? Rom 4. Gal 3.

13. Kindred; stock; family.

He is our brother, and our flesh. Gen 37.

14. In botany, the soft pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, _c., which is fit to be eaten.

One flesh, denotes intimate relation. To be one flesh is to be closely united, as in marriage. Gen 2. Eph 5.

After the flesh, according to outward appearances, John 8

Or according to the common powers of nature. Gal 4:

Or according to sinful lusts and inclinations. Rom 8.

An arm of flesh, human strength or aid.

FLESH, v.t.

1. To initiate; a sportsman's use of the word, from the practice of training hawks and dogs by feeding them with the first game they take or other flesh.

2. To harden; to accustom; to establish in any practice, as dogs by often feeding on any thing. Men fleshed in cruelty; women fleshed in malice.

3. To glut; to satiate.

The wild dog

Shall flesh his tooth on every innocent.