### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sarkikós**, represented by `{{G4559}}`, means **carnal** or **fleshly**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses. Derived from the word for flesh, it describes things that are pertaining to the flesh, which can mean bodily, temporal, or, by implication, unregenerate and operating apart from the Spirit of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G4559}}` is most often used to contrast a worldly mindset with a spiritual one. Paul addresses the believers in Corinth as **carnal** because their **envying** `{{G2205}}`, **strife** `{{G2054}}`, and **divisions** `{{G1370}}` demonstrate they are walking "as men" and not as spiritual people [[1 Corinthians 3:3]]. This state of spiritual immaturity rendered them like **babes** `{{G3516}}` in Christ [[1 Corinthians 3:1]]. The term also describes the nature of fallen humanity, as when Paul laments, "I am **carnal**, sold under **sin** `{{G266}}`" [[Romans 7:14]]. In a different context, it distinguishes between material and spiritual things, such as when Paul reasons that it is a small matter to **reap** `{{G2325}}` temporal, **carnal things** from those to whom they have **sown** `{{G4687}}` spiritual things [[1 Corinthians 9:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of being **carnal**:
* `{{G4152}}` **pneumatikós** (spiritual): This is the direct opposite of **carnal**. It describes what is of the Spirit, such as the **law** `{{G3551}}` [[Romans 7:14]] or mature believers who are not acting as **babes** [[1 Corinthians 3:1]].
* `{{G1939}}` **epithymía** (lust): Peter warns believers to abstain from **fleshly** `{{G4559}}` **lusts**, which **war** `{{G4754}}` against the soul [[1 Peter 2:11]]. This links the carnal nature to forbidden longings.
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (strife): The presence of **strife** among the Corinthians was a key indicator that they were still **carnal** [[1 Corinthians 3:3]].
* `{{G3516}}` **nḗpios** (babe): Paul associates being **carnal** with spiritual immaturity, calling the Corinthians **babes** in Christ who were not ready for solid spiritual food [[1 Corinthians 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological concept of `{{G4559}}` is significant for understanding the Christian life.
* **The Flesh-Spirit Conflict:** The term highlights the internal battle within a believer. It represents the unregenerate, human way of thinking and acting that is at war with the soul [[1 Peter 2:11]] and stands in opposition to the spiritual **law** of God [[Romans 7:14]].
* **Evidence of Immaturity:** Being **carnal** is a sign of spiritual immaturity. It is characterized by behaviors like jealousy and factions over leaders like **Paul** `{{G3972}}` or **Apollos** `{{G625}}`, which are marks of walking "as men" rather than in the Spirit [[1 Corinthians 3:3-4]].
* **Worldly vs. Divine Power:** A **carnal** approach relies on human strength and wisdom. Paul explicitly states that the **weapons** `{{G3696}}` of our **warfare** `{{G4752}}` are not **carnal**, but are divinely **mighty** `{{G1415}}` for destroying **strong holds** `{{G3794}}` [[2 Corinthians 10:4]].
* **Temporal vs. Eternal Value:** The word distinguishes between the earthly and the divine. The priesthood under the Old Covenant was established by a "**carnal** commandment," but Christ's is established by the **power** `{{G1411}}` of an **endless** `{{G179}}` **life** `{{G2222}}` [[Hebrews 7:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4559}}` serves as a critical descriptor of a life or mindset governed by the flesh rather than the Spirit. It encompasses not only worldly desires but also spiritual immaturity marked by division and strife. The concept of being **carnal** stands as a stark contrast to the spiritual life, spiritual wisdom, and spiritual power that believers are called to walk in through Christ.
TRV