Spiritual meaning of flesh

        In the Bible, the term “flesh” carries profound spiritual meaning and is used in various contexts—literal, symbolic, and theological. Understanding its spiritual meaning helps believers grasp the tension between the natural and the spiritual life, as well as the human struggle with sin.

1. Literal Meaning of Flesh in the Bible

          In its most basic sense, flesh refers to the physical body or human tissue.

    Genesis 2:21 (KJV) – “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof.”

        Here, flesh simply means the physical part of the body.

2. Flesh as Human Nature (Weak and Mortal)

         The Bible also uses flesh to describe human frailty and mortality.

    Psalm 78:39 (KJV) – “For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”

        Here, flesh represents the limited and temporary nature of man. It reminds us that human beings are prone to weakness and death without divine sustenance.

3. Flesh as the Sinful Nature

         Perhaps the most profound spiritual meaning of “flesh” in Scripture is when it symbolizes the sinful, fallen nature of humanity—the part of man that opposes God.

    Romans 8:5-8 (KJV) –

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God... So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

         Here, “flesh” does not mean skin or body tissue, but a mindset and lifestyle governed by sin. It’s the fallen condition of mankind that rebels against God’s Spirit.

Characteristics of the Flesh:

● Craves sinful pleasure (Galatians 5:19-21)

● Opposes the Spirit (Galatians 5:17)

● Seeks self-glorification (Romans 1:21-23)

● Leads to death (Romans 8:6)

4. Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit

        The Bible teaches that every believer is in a battle between the flesh and the Spirit.

    Galatians 5:17 (KJV) – “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…”

         This verse shows the ongoing war within a believer. Even though saved by grace, believers still wrestle with fleshly desires that try to dominate their actions and thoughts.

5. Crucifying the Flesh

         To grow spiritually, the Bible urges believers to put the flesh to death—not the physical body, but the sinful nature.

    Galatians 5:24 (KJV) – “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

         This means rejecting sinful impulses, habits, and mindsets that are contrary to God's will.

6. Jesus Took the Form of Flesh 

    John 1:14 (KJV) – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

         This emphasizes the divine humility and mystery of Christ becoming fully human while remaining fully God. However, Jesus lived in the flesh without sin (Hebrews 4:15), unlike fallen humanity.

7. Living by the Flesh vs. Living by the Spirit

         A life driven by flesh leads to spiritual death. A life guided by the Spirit leads to righteousness and peace.

    Romans 8:13 (KJV) – “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

        This contrast highlights the necessity of spiritual transformation, made possible through the Holy Spirit.

         In summary, the spiritual meaning of flesh in the Bible refers to more than just the physical body. It symbolizes:

● Human weakness and mortality

● The fallen, sinful nature inherited from Adam

● The source of internal conflict with the Spirit

● A life driven by selfish, ungodly desires

        However, through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome the flesh and live a victorious spiritual life.