בָּשָׂר
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of aman
Definition
The Hebrew word בָּשָׂר (bâsâr) fundamentally means 'flesh,' referring to the soft tissue of a living creature, whether human or animal (Genesis 2:21). It extends to signify the whole physical body or person, as in the phrase 'all flesh' meaning all humanity or all living beings (Genesis 6:12). In relational contexts, it denotes kinship, as seen in the phrase 'bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh' (Genesis 2:23). It can also function as a euphemism for male genitalia, indicating nakedness (Leviticus 15:2).
Biblical Usage
בָּשָׂר appears 241 times across the Old Testament, with significant concentration in the Pentateuch (especially Leviticus) and the Prophets. It is used literally for physical flesh (Genesis 2:21), collectively for humanity or all creatures (Genesis 6:17), and metaphorically to highlight human weakness, mortality, and moral corruption in contrast to God's spirit (Genesis 6:3, Isaiah 40:6). The phrase 'all flesh' is a common idiom emphasizing universality.
Etymology
Derived from the root בָּשַׂר (bāśar, H1319), which means 'to bear news' or 'to be fresh.' The connection likely stems from the fresh, pink appearance of flesh or skin. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to flesh or body.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it underscores human physicality, mortality, and inherent weakness in contrast to God's spirit and permanence (Isaiah 40:6-8). It is central to the concept of the 'covenant with all flesh' (Genesis 9:15-17) and the prophetic vision of God's spirit being poured out 'on all flesh' (Joel 2:28). Understanding בָּשָׂר enriches the reading of texts about incarnation, human nature, and God's relationship with creation.
In ancient Israelite culture, 'flesh' (בָּשָׂר) strongly conveyed the idea of kinship and shared biological lineage, forming the basis of tribal and family identity. Its use for 'all flesh' reflected a worldview where humanity was intimately connected to the animal world as embodied, mortal creatures. The euphemistic sense reflects cultural norms around modesty and the sacredness of the body.
גְּוִיָּה (gᵊwîyâ, H1472) — a corpse or dead body; שְׁאֵר (šᵊ'ēr, H7607) — flesh as food or kin; עוֹר ('ôr, H5785) — skin or hide.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →