Phrase Finder

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

What's the meaning of the phrase 'The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'?

A statement of the difficulty in living up to the high moral standards that one has set oneself.

What's the origin of the phrase 'The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'?

From the Bible, Matthew 26:41 (King James Version):

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Related phrases and meanings

Browse more Phrases

About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Phrases & Meanings

A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ

Categories

American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work

How did we do?

Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.

Suggest a new meaning