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σάρξ

sárx

G4561 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σαρκ- flesh, soft tissue, body

Definition

The soft substance composing the body, particularly in contrast to bone or spirit; the physical, material aspect of a living creature. By extension, denotes the human body as a whole, the realm of human existence characterized by mortality and susceptibility to weakness, sometimes contrasted with the spiritual or divine aspect. In some contexts, signifies the sphere of human desires, impulses, or relationships tied to physical descent or material existence. May also refer collectively to humankind, indicating human nature with its inherent limitations.

Semantic Range

flesh (soft substance or tissue), the physical body, meat as food, bodily condition (including mortality and physical descent), human existence or nature, domain of human frailty or desire, human being or humankind collectively, the sphere of material or earthly existence

Root / Etymology

From the root σαρκ-; related to the root of σαρόω ('to sweep, clean by sweeping'), but direct derivation unlikely; ultimately of uncertain origin. Cognate with the Latin 'caro, carnis.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, σάρξ referred primarily to the flesh or meat of animals and humans, commonly set in opposition to bones (e.g., 'flesh and bone'). In the Septuagint, the term frequently renders the Hebrew בָּשָׂר (bāśār) and can refer to animal flesh (often as food), but also broadly to the human body or living creature. In Hellenistic Jewish and New Testament contexts, σάρξ acquires further metaphorical and anthropological dimensions, signifying not only physical bodies but also the domain of human frailty, mortality, and impulses, sometimes contrasted with πνεῦμα (spirit) or ψυχή (life/soul). Especially in Pauline letters, σάρξ can represent the sphere of existence apart from or in opposition to divine influence, highlighting the limitations and desires of mortal humanity; however, the term is contextually variable and is not inherently pejorative. Traditional translations as 'flesh' or 'carnal' sometimes narrow this semantic field, missing bodily, relational, or existential nuances apparent in Greek usage. See also σωμα (body) for distinctions between corporeality and the broader existential meaning of 'flesh.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from the base of σαρόω; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).

Root Family

σάρξ (sarx) — flesh, soft tissue, body

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4561-03 σαρκὶ sarki N DAT F SG flesh to the flesh 39
G4561-05 σαρκὸς sarkos N GEN F SG flesh of flesh 37
G4561-01 σάρκα sarka N ACC F SG flesh flesh 37
G4561-06 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh flesh 26
G4561-02 σάρκας sarkas N ACC F PL flesh fleshes 7
G4561-04 σαρκῶν sarkon N GEN F PL flesh of fleshes 1

Occurrences in Scripture

147 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4561-06 Matthew 16:17 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh
G4561-01 Matthew 19:5 σάρκα sarka N ACC F SG flesh
G4561-06 Matthew 19:6 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh
G4561-06 Matthew 24:22 σάρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh
G4561-06 Matthew 26:41 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh
G4561-01 Mark 10:8 σάρκα sarka N ACC F SG flesh flesh
G4561-06 Mark 10:8 σάρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh flesh
G4561-06 Mark 13:20 σάρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh flesh
G4561-06 Mark 14:38 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh flesh
G4561-06 Luke 3:6 σὰρξ sarx N NOM F SG flesh flesh
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