Phrase guide

the spirit is strong, but the flesh is weak

proverb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

proverb

Meaning 1

Synonym of the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Alteration of the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak with strong by analogy with weak.