Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BODY

Semitic thought made no clear distinction between the physical and spiritual or psychological aspects of human existence, hence the OT contains no word which connotes “body” in the modern understanding of the term. Heb. bāśār, “flesh,” which designates basically the whole exterior being of a person (e.g., Lev. 13:3; Ps. 109:24) as distinguished from specific parts (skin, bones, blood; cf. Lam. 3:4; Ezek. 37:6, 8), refers generally to the whole living creature and can be used interchangeably with nepeš, “soul.” In the OT the term refers collectively to people (Isa. 40:5), both living (Exod. 30:32) and dead (Ps. 79:2), and to all living creatures, including animals (Gen. 6:19). It can also designate flesh for food — animal flesh as food for people (Num. 11:4) and human flesh as food for animals (1 Sam. 17:44).

The NT distinguishes more clearly between “body” (Gk. sṓma) and “flesh” (sárx). Although both can refer to the external aspect, sṓma carries a more wholistic connotation (cf. Matt. 5:29). It refers to living humans (Matt. 6:22), dead humans (Mark 15:43), resurrected humans (Rom. 8:11), and beasts (Heb. 13:11), as well as celestial bodies (1 Cor. 15:40). Greater distinction is made between the physical nature of humans and the spiritual or soul (Matt. 10:28; 1 Thess. 5:23; cf. 2 Cor. 12:2-3). As the organ of generation, the body should not be used for sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:13, 16) because in sex it belongs to another (7:4).

“Body” has special meaning with reference to Christ. His crucified body is God’s way of reconciling sinful mankind with himself (Col. 1:22). As a result of this salvation, Christians become the body of Christ in the community of faith (1 Cor. 12:27). As the body of Christ, each member of this community needs the others and all belong together (Rom. 12:5). Through observance of the Lord’s Supper, the Christian community celebrates “a sharing in the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 10:16). Likewise, the body of Christ is built up into a Church through its “work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). Christ is not only the Savior of the body of believers, but also the head of the Church which is his body (Eph. 5:23).

Bibliography. N. P. Bratsiotis, “bāśār,” TDOT 2:317-32.

Donald R. Potts






Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)

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