2 Corinthians 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Original Language Analysis
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
2 of 8
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
περιπατοῦντες
though we walk
G4043
περιπατοῦντες
though we walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
4 of 8
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 8
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Romans 8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.1 Timothy 1:18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Historical Context
Military imagery was ubiquitous in the Roman Empire. Corinthian Christians would have seen soldiers daily, understood siege warfare, and recognized the language of conquest. Paul appropriates this imagery to describe gospel ministry—not physical violence but spiritual conquest of rebellious thoughts and false ideologies that oppose God's truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of ministry are you fighting with fleshly weapons (human wisdom, manipulation, guilt) rather than spiritual power (prayer, truth, Spirit's conviction)?
- How does recognizing spiritual warfare change your response to opposition—from self-defense to prayer-dependent reliance on God?
- What does it practically mean to 'walk in the flesh' (live as a human) while refusing to 'war according to the flesh' (use worldly methods)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (ἐν σαρκὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦντες οὐ κατὰ σάρκα στρατευόμεθα)—Paul distinguishes between inevitable human embodiment (en sarki, "in flesh") and sinful methods (kata sarka, "according to flesh"). Strateuometha (στρατευόμεθα, "we wage war") introduces the military metaphor that dominates verses 3-6. Christian ministry is not merely religious activity but spiritual warfare—a cosmic conflict requiring divine weapons.
This verse establishes the foundational antithesis: apostles operate in the physical realm but employ spiritual weapons. The opponents' error was inverting this—using fleshly weapons (eloquence, credentials, manipulation) in spiritual conflict. Paul's ministry model reflects the incarnation: fully human (en sarki) yet divinely empowered (kata pneuma).