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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Romans 7:5 - 7:5
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In the flesh (ἐν τῇ σαρκί)
Σάρξ flesh, occurs in the classics in the physical sense only. Homer commonly uses it in the plural as denoting all the flesh or muscles of the body. Later the singular occurs in the same sense. Paul's use of this and other psychological terms must be determined largely by the Old-Testament usage as it appears in the Septuagint.
1. In the physical sense. The literal flesh. In the Septuagint τὰ κρέα flesh (plural) is used where the reference is to the parts of animals slain, and αἱ σάρκες, flesh (plural) where the reference is to flesh as the covering of the living body. Hence Paul uses κρέα in Rom 14:21; 1Co 8:13, of the flesh of sacrificed animals. Compare also the adjective σάρκιμος fleshy 2Co 3:3; and Eze 11:19; Eze 36:26, Sept.
2. Kindred. Denoting natural or physical relationship, Rom 1:3; Rom 9:3-8; Rom 11:14; Gal 4:23, Gal 4:29; 1Co 10:18; Phm 1:16. This usage forms a transition to the following sense: the whole human body. Flesh is the medium in and through which the natural relationship of man manifests itself. Kindred is conceived as based on community of bodily substance. Therefore:
3. The body itself. The whole being designated by the part, as being its main substance and characteristic, 1Co 6:16; 1Co 7:28; 2Co 4:11; 2Co 7:5; 2Co 10:3; 2Co 12:7. Rom 2:28; Gal 6:13, etc. Paul follows the Septuagint in sometimes using σῶμα body, and sometimes σάρξ flesh, in this sense, so that the terms occasionally seem to be practically synonymous. Thus 1Co 6:16, 1Co 6:17, where the phrase one body is illustrated and confirmed by one flesh. See Gen 2:24; Eph 5:28, Eph 5:31, where the two are apparently interchanged. Compare 2Co 4:10, 2Co 4:11; 1Co 5:3, and Col 2:5. Σάρξ, however, differs from σῶμα in that it can only signify the organism of an earthly, living being consisting of flesh and bones, and cannot denote “either an earthly organism that is not living, or a living organism that is not earthly” (Wendt, in Dickson). Σῶμα not thus limited. Thus it may denote the organism of the plant (1Co 15:37, 1Co 15:38) or the celestial bodies (1Co 15:40). Hence the two conceptions are related as general and special: σῶμα body, being the material organism apart from any definite matter (not from any sort of matter), σάρξ, flesh, the definite, earthly, animal organism. The two are synonymons when σῶμα is used, from the context, of an earthly, animal body. Compare Phi 1:22; 2Co 5:1-8.
Σῶμα body, and not σάρξ flesh, is used when the reference is to a metaphorical organism, as the church, Rom 12:4 sqq.; 1Co 10:16; 12:12-27; Eph 1:23; Eph 2:16; Col 1:18, etc.
The σάρξ is described as mortal (2Co 4:11); subject to infirmity (Gal 4:13; 2Co 12:7); locally limited (Col 2:15); an object of fostering care (Eph 5:29).
4. Living beings generally, including their mental nature, and with a correlated notion of weakness and perishableness. Thus the phrase πᾶσα σάρξ all flesh (Gen 6:12; Isa 49:26; Isa 49:23). This accessory notion of weakness stands in contrast with God. In Paul the phrase all flesh is cited from the Old Testament (Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16) and is used independently (1Co 1:29). In all these instances before God is added. So in Gal 1:16, flesh and blood implies a contrast of human with divine wisdom. Compare 1Co 15:50; Eph 6:12. This leads up to
5. Man “either as a creature in his natural state apart from Christ, or the creaturely side or aspect of the man in Christ.” Hence it is correlated with ἄνθρωπος man, 1Co 3:3; Rom 6:19; 2Co 5:17. Compare Rom 6:6; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9; Gal 5:24. Thus the flesh would seem to be interchangeable with the old man.
It has affections and lusts (Gal 5:24); willings (Eph 2:3; Rom 8:6, Rom 8:7); a mind (Col 2:18); a body (Col 2:11).
It is in sharp contrast with πνεῦμα spirit (Gal 3:3, Gal 3:19; Gal 5:16, Gal 5:17, Gal 5:19-24; Gal 6:8; Rom 8:4). The flesh and the spirit are thus antagonistic. Σάρξ flesh, before or in contrast with his reception of the divine element whereby he becomes a new creature in Christ: the whole being of man as it exists and acts apart from the influence of the Spirit. It properly characterizes, therefore, not merely the lower forms of sensual gratification, but all - the highest developments of the life estranged from God, whether physical, intellectual, or aesthetic.
It must be carefully noted:
1. That Paul does not identify flesh and sin. Compare, flesh of sin, Rom 8:3. See Rom 7:17, Rom 7:18; 2Co 7:1; Gal 2:20.
2. That Paul does not identify σάρξ with the material body nor associate sin exclusively and predominantly with the body. The flesh is the flesh of the living man animated by the soul (ψυχή) as its principle of life, and is distinctly used as coordinate with ἄνθρωπος man. As in the Old Testament, “it embraces in an emphatic manner the nature of man, mental and corporeal, with its internal distinctions.” The spirit as well as the flesh is capable of defilement (2Co 7:1; compare 1Co 7:34). Christian life is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2; compare Eph 4:23).
3. That Paul does not identify the material side of man with evil. The flesh is not the native seat and source of sin. It is only its organ, and the seat of sin's manifestation. Matter is not essentially evil. The logical consequence of this would be that no service of God is possible while the material organism remains. See Rom 12:1. The flesh is not necessarily sinful in itself; but as it has existed from the time of the introduction of sin through Adam, it is recognized by Paul as tainted with sin. Jesus appeared in the flesh, and yet was sinless (2Co 5:21).
The motions of sins (τὰ παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν)
Motions used in earlier English for emotions or impulses. Thus Bacon: “He that standeth at a stay where others rise, can hardly avoid motions of envy” (“Essay” xiv.). The word is nearly synonymous with πάθος passion (Rom 1:26, note). From πάθειν to suffer; a feeling which the mind undergoes, a passion, desire. Rev., sinful passions: which led to sins.
Did work (ἐνηργεῖτο)
Rev., wrought. See 2Co 1:6; 2Co 4:12; Eph 3:20; Gal 5:6; Phi 2:13; Col 1:29. Compare Mar 6:14, and see on power, Joh 1:12.