21 The Pauline Key Words πνεῦμα and σάρξ and their Translation In Paul’s letters this use of the word σάρξ concerns almost always human flesh14: (4a) διό, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι. (2 Cor 12,7). (4b) Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. (NRSV). Subsequently σάρξ is used metonymically to describe humanity as a whole in its natural and material aspect (2). Mankind is not only consid- ered a synchronic unity, but also a diachronic unity (descendence). This meaning profile can serve as a ground for the interpretation of several expressions15. synchronic unity   (5a) διότι ἐξ ἔργων νόμου οὐ δικαιωθήσεται πᾶσα σάρξ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ. (Rom 3,20) (5b) For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescri- bed by the law (NRSV) (6a) εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι (Gal 1,16) (6b) I did not confer with any human being (NRSV) diachronic unity   (7a) Τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν εὑρηκέναι Ἀϐραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν κατὰ σάρκα; (Rom 4,1). (7b) What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor accor- ding to the flesh? (NRSV). (8a) Ἐφ’ ὅσον μὲν οὖν εἰμι ἐγὼ ἐθνῶν ἀπόστολος, τὴν διακονίαν μου δοξάζω, εἴ πως παραζηλώσω μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ σώσω τινὰς ἐξ αὐτῶν. (Rom 11,13-14). (8b) Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. (NRSV). Other passages where the meaning of σάρξ can be interpreted as meaning (1) are 14 Rom 2,28; 15,27; 1 Cor 6,16; 7,28; 15,39; 2 Cor 3,3; 4,11; 12,7; Gal 2,20; 4,13, 14; 5,24; 6,12; Eph 2,11, 14; 5,29, 31; Phil 1,22, 24; Col 1,22, 24; 2,1, 5, 13. Except for 1 Cor 15,39 human flesh is concerned. Other passages where the meaning of σάρξ can be interpreted as meaning (2) are 15 Rom 1,3; 3,20; 4,1; 9,3, 5, 8; 1 Cor 1,29; 10,18; 2 Cor 11,18; Gal 2,16; 4,23, 29; 6,13; Eph 6,5; Col 3,22.