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Nephesh and Psuche
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These are the words, Hebrew and Greek respectively, which are commonly translated 'soul' in the AV. Nephesh first appears in Gen.2.7, where the AV translation 'soul' in modern versions is translated 'living being', or even 'living person' (NLT). It has the primary significance of a 'breathing creature', and points back to the account of man's first appearance on earth as a creature dependent on breathing in order to continue life. The use of nephesh, which can be translated 'soul', as a word denoting a living being is constant throughout the OT. Animals are described as souls in Num.31.28. Souls are said to eat (Lev.17.10), to eat blood (Lev.17.12), to eat dead bodies (Lev.17.15) and to have a longing to eat flesh (Deut.12.20). They can be thirsty (Prov.25.25) and have a longing for strong drink (Deut.26.16). They may on the other hand have an abhorrence for meat (Job 33.20). It is conceivable for souls to swear or to touch unclean things (Lev.5.2 and 4). Although all these operations denote life and that the soul is a living entity (in fact, a human being?) it is also possible for the soul to be smitten by enemies (Josh.11) and to die (Ezek.18.4 and 20). References such as these can be found scattered all through the Old Testament. The word occurs seven hundred times, and in the AV is translated 'soul' 471 times, 'life' or 'living' 150 times, and also by such words as man, person, self; they, me, him, anyone; breath, heart, mind, appetite, this body, lust, creature, and beast. 28 times is the word applied to the lower animals. The New Testament word corresponding to the Hebrew nephesh is psuche. In the AV this is translated 'soul' 59 times, 'life' 40 times; as well as mind, us, you, heart and heartily; occurring 150 times altogether, of which 2 references are to the lower animals. While not making any exhaustive study, it is interesting to refer to just a few of these references. One might think of one's soul as being one's self - a living personal identity. The word psuche is used in various connections. Matt.2.20 Joseph is told to take Mary and the infant Jesus back from Egypt to Israel, because the people were dead who had sought the child's life (psuche). Herod had wanted to get rid of the person who was prophesied to be Israel's Messiah. Luke 12.22 Jesus told his disciples not to worry about what their bodies should wear, or about what they should eat, to maintain their lives (psuche). Obviously they needed to keep themselves alive, but they were not to worry. Matthew 11.29 This is the notable passage where Jesus invites those with a burden in life to come and he will give them rest. By taking his yoke and learning from him, because he is meek and lowly they would find rest for their souls (psuche). As living breathing individuals, they would find rest for their minds? hearts? not, perhaps, rest for their bodies. Inner peace. Luke 9.24 Jesus is challenging his disciples to follow him, even at the cost of denying themselves and taking up the cross daily. It was a case of saving their lives (psuche) or losing them. Matthew 10.28 They were not to fear those who could kill their bodies (soma), but were unable to kill their souls (psuche). Only God was able to destroy both soma and psuche in gehenna. Jesus makes a distinction between what we are (human bodies) and who we are (personal identities known to God). Acts 2.27 Peter is quoting from the OT the words of David, that God would not abandon the Holy One's psuche in hades. Nor would he (his body?) see corruption. Rev.20.4 John in his vision saw thrones, and the souls (psuche) of those faithful through persecution, and they lived again and were kings along with Christ a thousand years. BSM Old article, expanded |
