The phrase "way of all flesh" is a euphemism for death in the Bible. It signifies the universal fate of all living beings to die. Here's what it means and where it appears:
* Meaning: The "way of all flesh" emphasizes the mortality and transient nature of human life. It's a recognition that all living things, regardless of their status or accomplishments, will eventually die.
* Usage: It's often used in the context of someone nearing death or as a general statement about mortality.
* Biblical Occurrences: The phrase or similar expressions appear in several places, including:
* Genesis 6:13: "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." (Here, it refers to the destruction of all living creatures in the flood.)
* Joshua 23:14: "And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof." (Joshua uses the phrase to indicate he is about to die.)
* 1 Kings 2:2: "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;" (David uses the phrase in his final instructions to Solomon, acknowledging his impending death.)
In essence, "the way of all flesh" is a biblical way of saying "death" or "mortality." It is a solemn reminder of the temporary nature of life on Earth.