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.
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.
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.
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.
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