In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Genesis 2:21; 41:2; Psalm 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Psalm 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Genesis 6:12, 13); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chronicles 32:8; Comp. Isaiah 31:3; Psalm 78:39). As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression "heart of flesh" (Ezek. 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; 8:8, 9), and to live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully (Romans 8:4, 5, 7, 12).

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).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.

2. (n.) Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from fish.

3. (n.) The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person.

4. (n.) The human race; mankind; humanity.

5. (n.) Human nature

6. (n.) In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness.

7. (n.) In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality.

8. (n.) The character under the influence of animal propensities or selfish passions; the soul unmoved by spiritual influences.

9. (n.) Kindred; stock; race.

10. (n.) The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten.

11. (v. t.) To feed with flesh, as an incitement to further exertion; to initiate; -- from the practice of training hawks and dogs by feeding them with the first game they take, or other flesh. Hence, to use upon flesh (as a murderous weapon) so as to draw blood, especially for the first time.

12. (v. t.) To glut; to satiate; hence, to harden, to accustom.

13. (v. t.) To remove flesh, membrane, etc., from, as from hides.