Flesh (Basar)
בָּשָׂר (basar)
Physical substance and mortal frailty — human nature in its weakness and vulnerability.
Basar is the Hebrew word for flesh, meaning physical body, mortal frailty, and human nature. It emphasizes humanity's creaturely weakness, mortality, and dependence on God — 'all flesh is grass.'
"All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." — Isaiah 40:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
Isaiah 40:6
“All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.”Read in context
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1320 — Flesh (Basar) (בָּשָׂר (basar))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where בָּשָׂר (basar) appears.
Open Strong's H1320Etymology and Original Meaning
Basar means 'flesh' — the physical substance of the body, human or animal. It refers to muscle tissue, the body as a whole, humanity collectively, and by extension, human nature in its weakness and mortality. Unlike the Greek sarx (which Paul often uses for sinful nature), the Hebrew basar is more neutral — it emphasizes creaturely frailty rather than moral corruption.
Flesh as Mortality
Isaiah's declaration, 'All flesh is grass' (Isaiah 40:6), captures the central meaning of basar: transience and fragility. Flesh withers, ages, weakens, and dies. It is temporary by nature. This is not a condemnation but a statement of fact — humanity is finite, dependent, and mortal. Recognizing our flesh-nature is the beginning of wisdom, driving us to depend on the eternal God.
One Flesh
Genesis 2:24 introduces the concept of 'one flesh' in marriage — a profound union where two persons become a unified whole. This is not merely physical but relational, emotional, and spiritual. Jesus affirmed this unity as God's original design (Matthew 19:5-6). Paul extends the metaphor: believers are 'one body' in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12), united in spiritual communion.
The Spirit Upon All Flesh
Joel prophesied, 'I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh' (Joel 2:28) — fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-17). The Spirit upon all flesh means God's presence is no longer limited to prophets, priests, and kings but available to every person: sons and daughters, old and young, servants and free. The Spirit transforms flesh from weakness to power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does flesh mean in the Bible?
Flesh (basar) means physical body, mortal nature, and human frailty. It emphasizes creaturely weakness, transience, and dependence on God. 'All flesh is grass' — temporary and fragile apart from God's sustaining power.
Is the flesh always sinful in the Bible?
Not in Hebrew. Basar emphasizes mortality and weakness rather than sin. The Greek sarx sometimes carries a moral sense (sinful nature) in Paul's letters, but the Hebrew concept is more neutral — flesh is frail and temporary, not inherently evil.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Flesh (Basar)"?
Isaiah 40:6 — "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field" (KJV). It also appears in Genesis 2:24, Joel 2:28.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Flesh (Basar)" matter?
Basar means 'flesh' — the physical substance of the body, human or animal. English uses one word, "Flesh (Basar)", where the Hebrew בָּשָׂר (basar) carries the fuller sense: physical substance and mortal frailty — human nature in its weakness and vulnerability.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Flesh (Basar) (בָּשָׂר (basar))
Physical substance and mortal frailty — human nature in its weakness and vulnerability.
Strong's H1320 — Flesh (Basar)
בָּשָׂר (basar) • Physical substance and mortal frailty — human nature in its weakness and vulnerability.
Bride (כַּלָּה (kallah))
The beloved partner — the chosen, adorned, and cherished one united to the bridegroom.
Strong's H3618 — Bride
כַּלָּה (kallah) • The beloved partner — the chosen, adorned, and cherished one united to the bridegroom.
Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)
Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.
Biblical Meaning of Teeth Falling Out in a Dream (KJV)
Loss of strength, spoken words, and unresolved fear.
Where to go next
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