Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” mean?

"Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" means that although someone may have good intentions or a strong desire to do something, their physical body may not be able to follow through due to limitations or weaknesses.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

I really want to go for a run, but my body is exhausted. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I really want to go for a run, but my body is exhausted. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Example

He had every intention of staying up late to finish his work, but his tiredness got the best of him. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

He had every intention of staying up late to finish his work, but his tiredness got the best of him. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Example

She tried her best to resist the temptation of eating dessert, but her cravings won. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

She tried her best to resist the temptation of eating dessert, but her cravings won. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

Is “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” effectively in context?

You can use "Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" to express the idea that although someone may have good intentions or a strong desire to do something, their physical body may not be able to follow through due to limitations or weaknesses. For example, if a friend wants to join you for a workout but is too tired, you might say, 'I understand, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'

• 1. Physical Exhaustion

  I really want to go for a run, but my body is exhausted. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

  I really want to go for a run, but my body is exhausted. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

• 2. Lack of Willpower

  He had every intention of staying up late to finish his work, but his tiredness got the best of him. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

  He had every intention of staying up late to finish his work, but his tiredness got the best of him. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

• 3. Temptation

  She tried her best to resist the temptation of eating dessert, but her cravings won. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

  She tried her best to resist the temptation of eating dessert, but her cravings won. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Similar phrases to “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”:

Mind over matter

The power of the mind to overcome physical challenges or limitations

Example

She pushed through the pain during her marathon by using mind over matter.

She pushed through the pain during her marathon by using mind over matter.

The spirit is willing

Someone has a strong desire or willingness to do something

Example

He wants to help, but he doesn't have the time. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

He wants to help, but he doesn't have the time. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Weakness of the flesh

The physical limitations or weaknesses that prevent someone from doing something

Example

She couldn't resist the temptation to eat the cake. It was a weakness of the flesh.

She couldn't resist the temptation to eat the cake. It was a weakness of the flesh.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus uses this phrase to describe the struggle between the desires of the spirit and the limitations of the physical body.

Is “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other idioms or proverbs. However, it is still recognizable and understood by many English speakers.

What tone does “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” have?

"Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" conveys a tone of understanding and empathy. It acknowledges the internal struggle between one's desires and physical limitations.

Can “Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or religious contexts. It may not be used as frequently in casual or informal conversations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I wanted to help, but I was too tired. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak' to imply the struggle between desire and physical limitations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• desire without ability
• willingness versus capability
• internal conflict between desire and physical limitations

Antonyms

• strong in body and spirit
• ability matches desire
• no conflict between desire and physical limitations