Arcana Coelestia #670
670. That 'living creature' 1 means things of the understanding, and 'all flesh' those of the will, becomes clear from what has been stated already, and also from what follows. In the Word 'living creature' means all animal life in general, as in Genesis 1:10, 21, 24; 2:19. Here however, because the phrase 'all flesh' is added immediately after, it means things which belong to the understanding, for the reason given already, that the regeneration of the member of this Church had to begin in the things of the understanding. This also is why in the next verse 'birds' are mentioned first, which mean things of the understanding or the rational, and 'beasts', which are those of the will, second. 'Flesh' in particular means bodily-mindedness which is a feature of the will.
Notes de bas de page:
1. literally, living soul
James 4:1-10
1
Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members?
2
You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask.
3
You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.
4
You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"?
6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
7
Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9
Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.
10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.
