What is the flesh according to the Bible?

In the New Testament, particularly in Galatians 5:19-21, the flesh encompasses actions that are contrary to the Spirit, such as immorality and various vices. Paul outlines that the flesh is not solely the physical body but embodies everything that is corrupted by sin, including self-righteousness and the will that seeks to elevate human desires above God's authority. In Philippians 3:3-9, Paul points out that despite his achievements, he counts them as loss for the sake of knowing Christ and emphasizes having no confidence in the flesh. Thus, 'the flesh' includes any attempt to relate to God through human effort rather than through faith in Christ.