Flesh in the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Genesis 2:21; Genesis 1:41; Psalms 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Psalms 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Genesis 6:12, Genesis 1:6); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chronicles 32:8; comp. Isaiah 31:3; Psalms 78:39). As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 11:19). The expression "my flesh and bone" (Judges 9:2; Isaiah 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" (Romans 6:19; Matthew 16:17). Being "in the flesh" means being unrenewed (Romans 7:5; Romans 1:8, Romans 1:8), and to live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully (Romans 8:4, Romans 1:8, Romans 1:8, Romans 1:8).
This word also denotes the human nature of Christ (John 1:14, "The Word was made flesh." Comp. also 1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:3).