σάρκινος (sarkinos)
sarkinos
fleshly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sarkinos describes something made of or belonging to physical flesh. Unlike related terms that might imply moral corruption, this word simply denotes material composition. It appears in the New Testament to distinguish between what is earthly and perishable and what is spiritual and enduring.
Paul uses it to contrast human weakness with divine power. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, he calls believers "fleshly" not because they are evil, but because they are still operating on a basic, immature level. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 3:3, he describes hearts as sarkinos tables, meaning written on physical stone rather than the living spirit of God.
The word’s root emphasizes substance. It reminds readers that while human nature is real and created by God, it is limited. The New Testament presents this distinction not to shame the body, but to highlight the superiority of spiritual life over mere physical existence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sarkinos points to the tangible reality of our physical existence. It describes what is made of flesh, distinguishing the earthly from the spiritual without necessarily implying moral failure. In Romans 7:14, Paul uses this term to acknowledge his own human weakness, admitting that he is "fleshly, sold under sin." This honest confession shows that recognizing our limitations is a valid part of faith, not a sign of defeat.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3:1, Paul addresses believers as "fleshly" because they were still acting like infants. Here, the term highlights immaturity rather than evil. It reminds us that spiritual growth is a process. We are called to move beyond basic concerns toward a deeper reliance on the Spirit, as seen in Hebrews 7:16, where Christ serves not by a "fleshly commandment" but by the power of endless life.
This distinction invites us to look upward. While our bodies and human nature are real and created by God, they are limited. The New Testament encourages us to trust in the enduring power of the Spirit rather than relying solely on our own strength or earthly rules. This perspective offers hope, knowing that divine life surpasses mere physical existence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fleshly2×
- to fleshly,1×
- human.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σάρκινός1×
- σαρκίνοις,1×
- σαρκίνης1×
- σαρκίναις.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 7:14
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
Paul uses this term to honestly describe his struggle with human weakness and sin, showing that acknowledging our fleshly nature is part of the Christian experience.
-
I Corinthians 3:1
Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.
The word highlights spiritual immaturity, indicating that believers are still operating on a basic level rather than being fully guided by the Spirit.
-
Hebrews 7:16
who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life;
This occurrence contrasts the temporary nature of earthly laws with the eternal power of Christ's life, emphasizing the superiority of spiritual reality over physical regulation.