Greek word · Strong's G4561

σάρξ

sárx · noun · “flesh”

In a sentence

Sarx means flesh — the physical body, but more importantly in Paul, the fallen, self-ruling nature that lives in opposition to God’s Spirit.

Sarx literally means flesh, but Paul stretches the word to name the whole self apart from God — the old, self-centered self that resists his ways. “The flesh” and “the Spirit” are set against each other as two competing ways to live.

This is why Paul can say “to set the mind on the flesh is death,” yet also celebrate that the Word “became flesh” in Jesus (John 1:14). The word can describe humanity in its frailty and humanity in its fallenness, depending on context.

Strong's reference

Definition: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)

KJV usage: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly)

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Romans 8:6 “The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,” Galatians 5:17 “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.” John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.