because "All flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man like the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,
Truth to Learn
Like flowers, our physical body will wither and die some day.
Behind the Words
The word “flesh” is translated from sarx, which specifically refers to “the flesh of a living animal.” This word is often used as an expression for our earthly body, as opposed to the spiritual body which we will receive at the resurrection.
The Greek word translated “grass” is chortos, which literally means “a courtyard” or “a garden,” but the common usage is in reference to any vegetation, particularly a meadow or field.
“Flower” is translated from anthos, which refers to “the blossom of a flowering plant.”
The verb “withers” is from zērainō, which means “to dry up.”
The word translated “falls away” is ekpiptō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and piptō, meaning “to fall.”
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse Peter taught us that our new birth, that is our spiritual birth, is not by conception from corruptible seed but through the word of God. He now goes on to explain a little more about the corruptible seed. His simile equates the corruptible seed (humanity) with a field full of vegetation. This is the same simile that James used in teaching that riches and rich people are fleeting and temporary.
because like a flower of the garden he will pass away. For the sun rose with a burning heat and the garden withered; its flower fell, and the beauty of its appearance completely perished. (James 1:10b, 11a)
The reference in both of these verses is to Isaiah 40:6-8:
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field: The grass withers, the flower fades: because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it: surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God stands forever.
This fleshly life that we live is temporary and passing. It is often referred to as our time of wandering or “sojourning” and it will come to an end. The spiritual life that we get from the new birth, however, is eternal. If we have truly been born again, we have everlasting life with our heavenly father, and it does not begin when we get to heaven; it has already begun!
Using this same analogy regarding physical birth and spiritual birth, let me ask you, “Can we become unborn in our physical life, and did we have any part in making it happen?” Then how can we think that we have some part in our spiritual birth, and how can we believe that we could become spiritually unborn?
Application
Like a flower, we all must die physically some day, but we don’t have to die the second death (spiritually). God has given us eternal spiritual life through His Word. Let’s take a fresh, new look at this new birth which we have and recognize how truly priceless it is! Thank you, Heavenly Father!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved