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Romans 3:20 – Flesh
Instead of translating sarx as “flesh” some translations choose to generalize the meaning to “man” (BBE); “people” (CEV); “human being” (ESV; NRSV); “no one” (NIV) and such. But doing so removes the nuances of the word “flesh” spread throughout Romans. Flesh refers to more than just being human. It echoes the argument concerning circumcision, and previews the divide between flesh and spirit. This might be another example of Paul’s “economy of words.” Neither Jews nor Gentiles who are differentiated by flesh will be justified by law (Romans 1-3). The battle between our minds and flesh is only solved through Jesus (Romans 7). The very use of our fleshly bodies receives purpose through Christ (Romans 12). And in the end our flesh will be changed and resurrected (Romans 8). Readable translations are beneficial but sometimes are also superficial.
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