The Two Bodies: Flesh (Sōma) vs. Substance (Sarx) 👤
The Greek language uses two primary words that are often both translated as “body” or “flesh,” but the distinction between them is crucial for understanding the New Testament teaching on resurrection and the final, incorruptible body.
1. The Substance of Mortality: Sarx (σαˊρξ)
- Meaning: This word refers to flesh, meat, or the material substance of the body. In theology, it often carries the connotation of the fallen, corrupted nature—the human nature prone to sin.
- Theological Focus: Sarx represents the mortal, weak, and perishable material that constitutes our present physical bodies. Paul states, “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh (sarx)” (Romans 7:18).
- The Shocking Distinction: The Bible explicitly states that our eternal bodies will not be sarx: “Flesh and blood (sarx and haima) cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). The very substance of our present physical being is incompatible with the final, eternal realm.
2. The Form of Identity: Sōma (σωˊμα)
- Meaning: This word refers to the total form, structure, or organized entity of the body. It describes the physical, visible vessel of personality and identity.
- Theological Focus: Sōma represents the continuity of identity. While the substance (sarx) is incompatible with the Kingdom, the form (sōma) is preserved and transformed. Paul clarifies that the mortal body is “sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown a natural body (sōma); it is raised a spiritual body (sōma)” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
- The Final Reality: The resurrection guarantees that the form and identity are preserved, but the substance is changed. It’s the difference between the seed (the mortal sarx) and the plant (the resurrected sōma).
The Eschatological Conclusion
The final resurrection is not merely a resuscitation of the old body, but a radical, fundamental change in substance while the personal identity is maintained.
- The perishable Sarx (mortal substance) is abolished.
- The personal Sōma (identity form) is glorified.
The final glory is the ultimate reversal of the Edenic curse: we will receive an eternal body whose substance is incorruptible, perfect, and no longer subject to decay or sin.
The Return Question
If the future body retains the form (sōma) but sheds the corrupting substance (sarx), what specific habit or action in your life are you treating as unavoidable because of “the flesh” (sarx) that is actually a failure of your sanctified will to conform the sōma (form) to Christ?