Brief Overview of σάρξ (Strong’s G4561: sarx)

Strong’s G4561: A foundational biblical term referring to flesh in both literal and theological senses. Ranges from physical body tissue to human nature apart from God’s Spirit. Central to New Testament theology, especially in Paul’s writings, describing the struggle between human weakness and divine empowerment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σάρξ holds profound theological significance in the New Testament, encompassing both physical flesh and the whole realm of human nature apart from God’s Spirit. Its meaning spans from literal body tissue (John 1:14) to the seat of human weakness and sin (Romans 8:3). In Pauline theology, it represents the unregenerate nature in opposition to the Spirit. The early church saw in this term both the reality of Christ’s incarnation and humanity’s need for spiritual transformation. Today, it remains crucial for understanding both Christ’s identification with humanity and our ongoing need for Spirit-empowered living.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάρξ, sarx, /sarks/
• Pronunciation Guide: Single syllable, like ‘sarks’ with a rolled ‘r’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Proto-Indo-European root *twerk- meaning “to cut”
• Related to Sanskrit स्रक् (srak)
• Basic meaning of raw flesh or meat

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical flesh, body tissue
• Human nature in its weakness
• Natural descent or relationship
• The whole person
• The sinful nature

Translation Options:

• Flesh – Best captures both physical and spiritual meanings
• Physical nature – Emphasizes human limitation
• Natural condition – Focuses on state apart from Spirit

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σαρκικός (sarkikos) /sar-kee-kos’/ – Characterized by flesh. See G4559
• σάρκινος (sarkinos) /sar’-kee-nos/ – Composed of flesh. See G4560
• σῶμα (soma) /so’-mah/ – Body as a whole. See G4983

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σάρξ
• Genitive: σαρκός
• Dative: σαρκί
• Accusative: σάρκα
• Plural: σάρκες

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies multiple semantic domains from physical to theological. Thayer’s emphasizes its range from literal to metaphorical meanings. LSJ traces its development in Greek thought. Vine’s details its theological significance in Paul’s writings. Strong’s connects it to human nature’s weakness. Moulton and Milligan document its everyday usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 16:17: “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh [σάρξ] and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Additional References:
John 1:14, Romans 8:3, Galatians 5:17, Philippians 3:3, 1 Peter 3:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σάρξ powerfully illustrates both our need for salvation and God’s provision in Christ. The Word becoming flesh demonstrates God’s commitment to redeem humanity. The good news is that while we struggle with fleshly weakness, Christ has overcome the flesh, enabling us through His Spirit to live in victory over our natural limitations.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used over 150 times in the New Testament
2. Central to early church debates about Christ’s nature
3. Influenced development of Christian anthropology

Strong’s G4561: A fundamental term in biblical theology referring to physical flesh and human nature. Used to describe both Christ’s incarnation and humanity’s condition apart from God. Key to understanding the relationship between human weakness and divine empowerment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: flesh, human-nature, pauline-theology, incarnation, spirit-flesh-conflict, sanctification, human-weakness, divine-empowerment, christ’s-humanity, spiritual-warfare​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​