Last week, we examined the words spirit and soul, focusing specifically on the two Hebrew words that primarily render them. Likewise, the English New Testament primarily translates the words spirit and soul from two Greek words, psuche and pneuma.
Spirit and Soul – Psuche
In defining the word psuche, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon provides two primary definitions: 1) breath, and 2) soul. In the first case, Thayer speaks of :”…the vital force which animates the body …. life … a living being…” Of the second definition, he identifies “…the seat of feeling, desires, affections, aversions … the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life … the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death…”
Translators use psuche to render the Hebrew word nephesh. For instance, the Law stated, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul {nephesh}, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Jesus, quoting this (Matthew 22:37) used psuche for nephesh.
Consider how the Lord and the New Testament writers employ the word psuche:
Of Persons
- “…that day about three thousand souls {psuche} were added to them.” (Ac 2:41)
- “Let every soul {psuche} be subject to the governing authorities.” (Ro 13:1)
Of Life
- “Jesus answered him, ‘Will you lay down your life {psuche} for My sake?’” (Jn 13:38)
- “…none of these things move me; nor do I count my life {psuche} dear to myself…” (Ac 20:24)
Of the Inner Man After the Body is Gone
- “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul {psuche}. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul {psuche} and body in hell.” (Mt 19:28)
- “…You will not leave my soul {psuche} in Hades…” (Ac 2:27)
Distinct from the Spirit
- “…may your whole spirit, soul {psuche}, and body be preserved blameless…” (1 Thes 5:23)
- “…the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul {psuche} and spirit…” (Heb 4:12)
Distince from the Body
- “Is not life {psuche} more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Mt 6:25)
The usage of the word psuche clearly shows that it primarily refers to things eternal in nature, not to the physical body, or things exclusively related to the body. Thus, it deals with the inner person, the eternal being which God has made each of us.
Spirit and Soul – Psuche
Pneuma has a very wide range of use. That it deals with breath or wind is evident to most, just upon first glance. Our English word pneumonia, though not directly from pneuma, is nonetheless related. It is a very common Greek word, appearing in 350 verses in the New Testament.
Thayer gives five definitions of pneuma: 1) a movement of air, 2) the vital part o=by which the body is animated, 3) a simple essence … possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting, 4) God’s power and agency – distinguishable in thought from God’s essence in itself considered, and 5) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one.
Pneuma is used to translate from the Hebrew ruach. For example, Matthew 12:18 reads, “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul (psuche, nephesh) is well pleased. I will put My Spirit (pneuma, ruach) upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles” (Matthew 12:18; cf. Isaiah 42:1). Let us consider the use of pneuma in the New Testament:
Of a Wind
- “The wind {pneuma} blows where it wishes…” (Jn 3:8)
Of the Holy Spirit
- “…he saw the Spirit {pneuma} of God descending…” (Mt 3:16)
Of Unclean Spirits
- “…there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit {pneuma}; and he cried out…” (Mk 1:23)
Of One’s Character
- “…he shall go before him in the spirit {pneuma} and power of Elijah…” (Lk 1:17)
- “…incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit {pneuma}, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Pe 3:4)
Of Angels
- “Are not all ministering spirits {pneuma} sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14)
Of the Inner Man
(ie. Spiritual vitality)
- “For they refreshed my spirit {pneuma} and yours.” (1 Cor 16:18)
- “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit {pneuma}.” (2 Tim 4:22)
Of One’s Purpose
- “…stand fast in one spirit {pneuma}…” (Php 1:27)
- “…be renewed in the spirit {pneuma} of your mind.” (Eph 4:23)
Of One’s Disposition or Perception
- “The spirit {pneuma} indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt 26:41)
- “…his spirit {pneuma} was provoked within him…” (Ac 17:16)
Distinct from the Body
- “…a spirit {pneuma} does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Lk 24:39)
- “…as the body without the spirit {pneuma} is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (Jms 2:26)
Conclusion
In summary, why is it important to consider the meaning of these Greek words? Since the English New Testament translates from the Greek, we should consider the Greek language important. Thus, knowing the wide usage of words such as psuche and pneuma will help us better understand what is being said in the word. Likewise, it will guard us against those who might seek to propagate error with regard to the nature of man.
So, what shall we conclude? Indeed, we must consider the context and use of the words spirit and soul to correctly determine the meaning. Never should we apply a single meaning to a word so diverse as nephesh, ruach, psuche or pneuma. Therefore, let us allow the context and an honest, unbiased approach to the Scriptures direct our understanding.
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