Bible Dictionary
OUTWARD MAN
The outward man is the bodily and visible aspect of a person, subject to decay and death. Paul contrasts it with the inward man, which God renews day by day.
Definition
The outward man is the bodily and visible aspect of a person. It is subject to decay and death and is distinguished from the inward man, the imperishable spiritual life renewed day by day.
Biblical Usage
Paul contrasts the outward man with the inward man in 2 Corinthians 4:16. The outward man may also refer to the body as the object of worldly concern and pride in external dress and adornment.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>out'-werd, (exo, "outside," "without," "out of doors"): The body, subject to decay and death, in distinction from the inner man, the imperishable spiritual life which "is renewed day by day" (2Co 4:16); also the body as the object of worldly thought and pride in external dress and adornment (1Pe 3:3).</p><p>See MAN, NATURAL; MAN.</p>