His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the first meaning of “body” refers to the physical, material body, the one belonging to humans, animals, and birds — the tangible, earthly structure through which we live in this world.
🌅 Second Meaning: The Resurrection Body
The second type is the resurrection body, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:40–49 — a spiritual and heavenly body different from the earthly one. It is the glorified, incorruptible body that believers will receive in eternal life.
👤 Third Meaning: The Body as the Whole Person
Sometimes, the term “body” in Scripture refers to the whole human being, not only the flesh. For example, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14) means that Christ became a complete human being, not merely a body without a soul. Similarly, when Christ said, “You have given Him authority over all flesh” (John 17), it means over all people — every human being.
📖 Biblical Examples
The Pope cites other verses:
“Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22) — meaning no person would survive.
“By the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16) — meaning no one can be justified by law alone. Thus, “body” is often used as a figure of speech for the entire human being.
🌿 Fourth Meaning: The Symbolic Body
The term “body” also has a symbolic meaning, as in “Christ is the head and the Church is His body” (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23). Here, “body” represents the Church, the community of believers united to Christ the Head in spiritual oneness.
💡 Summary of the Four Meanings
The physical, material body.
The heavenly resurrection body.
The body meaning the whole person.
The symbolic body — the Church, body of Christ.
Thus, His Holiness shows that Scripture uses the term “body” in multiple senses — physical, spiritual, and symbolic — reflecting the deep theological and spiritual understanding of humanity and salvation.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Biblical Terms – Body
✝️ First Meaning: The Physical Body
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the first meaning of “body” refers to the physical, material body, the one belonging to humans, animals, and birds — the tangible, earthly structure through which we live in this world.
🌅 Second Meaning: The Resurrection Body
The second type is the resurrection body, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:40–49 — a spiritual and heavenly body different from the earthly one. It is the glorified, incorruptible body that believers will receive in eternal life.
👤 Third Meaning: The Body as the Whole Person
Sometimes, the term “body” in Scripture refers to the whole human being, not only the flesh.
For example, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14) means that Christ became a complete human being, not merely a body without a soul.
Similarly, when Christ said, “You have given Him authority over all flesh” (John 17), it means over all people — every human being.
📖 Biblical Examples
The Pope cites other verses:
“Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22) — meaning no person would survive.
“By the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16) — meaning no one can be justified by law alone.
Thus, “body” is often used as a figure of speech for the entire human being.
🌿 Fourth Meaning: The Symbolic Body
The term “body” also has a symbolic meaning, as in “Christ is the head and the Church is His body” (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23).
Here, “body” represents the Church, the community of believers united to Christ the Head in spiritual oneness.
💡 Summary of the Four Meanings
The physical, material body.
The heavenly resurrection body.
The body meaning the whole person.
The symbolic body — the Church, body of Christ.
Thus, His Holiness shows that Scripture uses the term “body” in multiple senses — physical, spiritual, and symbolic — reflecting the deep theological and spiritual understanding of humanity and salvation.
For better translation support, please contact the center.