σαρκικός
sarkikós
G4559 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to flesh (σάρξ), i.e., belonging to the physical, bodily, or material aspect of human existence. Used of what is characterized by or related to the human body or earthly nature as distinct from what is πνευματικός (spiritual). Can denote (1) belonging to the body, physical, corporeal; (2) governed by natural inclinations, especially those opposed to spiritual or moral purposes (figurative); (3) associated with merely temporal or earthly concerns rather than higher ethical or spiritual realities. Contextually, often used with moral nuance, indicating orientation toward base human desires or limitations.
Semantic Range
bodily, physical, related to flesh; pertaining to human or material limitation; under the influence of flesh (in the sense of lower nature); governed by base or non-spiritual motives; worldly or temporal in contrast to spiritual
Root / Etymology
From σάρξ (flesh) with the adjectival suffix -ικός, denoting possession of or pertaining to the quality of flesh. Cognate with Latin carnalis in abstract sense but developed idiomatically within Greek discourse.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σαρκικός is rarely attested as an adjective; the substantive σάρξ was more commonly used for physicality. In the period of the Septuagint and early Christian literature, σαρκικός becomes a technical term, especially in contrast to πνευματικός, highlighting the difference between lower, earthbound existence and a spiritually transformed life. In Pauline usage (e.g., Romans 7:14, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4), σαρκικός often characterizes moral weakness, lack of spiritual maturity, or being influenced by non-spiritual motives, not just the possession of a body. Standard English translations such as 'carnal' or 'fleshly' can underrepresent these nuances, especially where the term expresses a contrast between the ethical/spiritual and the natural/material. In the Septuagint, its range is narrower and more literal, but in the New Testament, its figurative use is prominent.
Translation Consistency
“Fleshly” is the most natural, widely understood single-word rendering that covers both the literal sense (bodily, physical) and the common figurative/moral sense (governed by base, non‑spiritual inclinations). It matches the SILEX range and existing P2 usages and provides a clear contrast with ‘spiritual’ while remaining more natural than the more technical ‘carnal.’
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σάρξ; pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate:--carnal, fleshly.
Root Family
σαρκ- (sarkikós) — flesh, bodily existence, material nature
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4559-01 |
σαρκικὰ | sarkika | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
carnal things | fleshly things | fleshly things | 2 |
G4559-03 |
σαρκικοί | sarkikoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
fleshly | fleshly ones | fleshly ones | 2 |
G4559-02 |
σαρκικῇ | sarkike | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
fleshly | to/for a fleshly (fem.) | fleshly | 1 |
G4559-04 |
σαρκικοῖς | sarkikois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
material | to fleshly things | fleshly things | 1 |
G4559-05 |
σαρκικῶν | sarkikon | ADJ.A GEN F PL |
fleshly | of fleshly | fleshly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4559-04 |
Romans 15:27 | σαρκικοῖς | sarkikois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
material | to fleshly things | fleshly things |
G4559-03 |
1 Corinthians 3:3 | σαρκικοί | sarkikoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
fleshly | fleshly ones | fleshly ones |
G4559-03 |
1 Corinthians 3:3 | σαρκικοί | sarkikoi-2 | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
fleshly | fleshly ones | fleshly ones |
G4559-01 |
1 Corinthians 9:11 | σαρκικὰ | sarkika | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
carnal things | fleshly things | fleshly things |
G4559-02 |
2 Corinthians 1:12 | σαρκικῇ | sarkike | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
fleshly | to/for a fleshly (fem.) | fleshly |
G4559-01 |
2 Corinthians 10:4 | σαρκικὰ | sarkika | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
of the flesh | fleshly things | fleshly things |
G4559-05 |
1 Peter 2:11 | σαρκικῶν | sarkikon | ADJ.A GEN F PL |
fleshly | of fleshly | fleshly |