Is there a difference between soul and spirit?

[ewq1938]

Not according to Greek and Hebrew dictionaries (and English as well):

In John 12:27, Jesus said, "Now is my soul (psuche) troubled", and in John 13:21 it says, "Jesus was troubled in his spirit (pneuma) John 13:21

Here spirit and soul are used interchangeably. He was troubled in his soul, and he was troubled in his spirit.


Genesis 35:18King James Version (KJV)
18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

James 2:26King James Version (KJV)
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.



Here they are used also interchangeably since the body is dead when the soul departs and the body is also dead when the spirit departs.

Keep in mind there isn't any actual difference in the definitions of soul and spirit in both Hebrew and Greek and even English. They are synonyms.




soul (sol) noun
1. The animating and vital principle in human beings, credited with the faculties of thought, action, and emotion and often conceived as an immaterial entity.
2. The spiritual nature of human beings, regarded as immortal, separable from the body at death, and susceptible to happiness or misery in a future state.
3. The disembodied spirit of a dead human being; a shade....
5. A human being: "the homes of some nine hundred souls" (Garrison Keillor).
6. The central or integral part; the vital core: "It saddens me that this network . . . may lose its soul, which is after all the quest for news" (M. Kalb).

spir·it (spîr¹ît) noun
1. a. The vital principle or animating force within living beings. b. Incorporeal consciousness....
2. The soul, considered as departing from the body of a person at death.
6. a. The part of a human being associated with the mind, will, and feelings: Though unable to join us today, they are with us in spirit. b. The essential nature of a person or group.
7. A person as characterized by a stated quality: He is a proud spirit.(11)

SOUL (nephesh):
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions

SPIRIT (ruach)
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character(13)

So in Hebrew "soul" refers to "that which breathes" and to the mind, desire, and emotions.
And "spirit" refers to "that which breathes" and the part of us which experiences emotions and is responsible for "mental acts."

Thayer's Greek words for soul (psuche) and spirit (pneuma):


SOUL (psuche):
1) breath
1a) the breath of life
1a1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
1a1a) of animals
1a12) of men
1b) life
1c) that in which there is life
1c1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
2a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
2b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
2c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death....

SPIRIT (pneuma)
2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
2b) the soul
3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
3a) a life giving spirit
3b) a human soul that has left the body
4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.(14)



Thus in Greek "soul" refers to the animating principle which feels, desires, and can attain everlasting life with God.
And "spirit" is also the animating principle which feels, thinks, and decides. And notice once again, the use of the word soul to define spirit (twice in fact: 2b,3b). Only #4 for spirit gives so much as a hint the two might be distinct.

Again using the Strong's:




Spirit
G4151
pneuma
pnyoo'-mah
From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.

Soul
G5590
psuche
psoo-khay'
From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]: - heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.


Spirit: "by analogy or figuratively a spirit" and "the rational soul"
Soul: "(by implication) spirit" and "the rational and immortal soul"

Same exact meanings.



Unfortunately scripture doesn't provide any reasoning why the two have their own names or why we need two of something that is essentially two of the same thing with no provided difference between them. It's kind of like having a two headed coin, the same on both sides yet one side is not the other side per se'.

 

[justbyfaith]

Generally soul and spirit remain undivided; but they can be divided so that soul and spirit are two different things according to Hebrews 4:12.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 is also of importance to the subject.

 

[Jeshu]

i've understand soul to be the totality of what we have done/build with our spirit. Spirit is our active conscious life moment after moment while soul is also the active conscious moments of times past, the totality as well as essence of our lives.

i don't know if that is right or not but it makes sense to me.

Peace

 

[justbyfaith]

In Genesis 2:7, it says, And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath (ruach, spirit) of life: and man became a living soul.

One might determine from this that the soul is the connective part, or a union between, the body and the spirit.

 

[ewq1938]

Generally soul and spirit remain undivided; but they can be divided so that soul and spirit are two different things according to Hebrews 4:12.

I think that's an extreme example to demonstrate how "sharp" the word is. I doubt it is literally used to separate soul and spirit and agree with you they are normally undivided.

 

[tniles408]

Yes. The soul is the mind will and emotions. Your spirit is the real you, you are an eternal spirit being. Your spirit is the born again part of you, the part that was created in the image of God. Every human is born spiritually dead, meaning separate from God. Jesus said you must be born again (read John 3). This is a spiritual birth. Once you're born again you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) old things have passed away, all things are new. That's talking about your spirit. You are complete (Colossians 2:8-12). But our soul isn't changed at salvation, that's why we have to renew our mind. Hope this helps!

 

[AvgJoe]

Not according to Greek and Hebrew dictionaries (and English as well):

In John 12:27, Jesus said, "Now is my soul (psuche) troubled", and in John 13:21 it says, "Jesus was troubled in his spirit (pneuma) John 13:21

Here spirit and soul are used interchangeably. He was troubled in his soul, and he was troubled in his spirit.


Genesis 35:18King James Version (KJV)
18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

James 2:26King James Version (KJV)
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.



Here they are used also interchangeably since the body is dead when the soul departs and the body is also dead when the spirit departs.

Keep in mind there isn't any actual difference in the definitions of soul and spirit in both Hebrew and Greek and even English. They are synonyms.




soul (sol) noun
1. The animating and vital principle in human beings, credited with the faculties of thought, action, and emotion and often conceived as an immaterial entity.
2. The spiritual nature of human beings, regarded as immortal, separable from the body at death, and susceptible to happiness or misery in a future state.
3. The disembodied spirit of a dead human being; a shade....
5. A human being: "the homes of some nine hundred souls" (Garrison Keillor).
6. The central or integral part; the vital core: "It saddens me that this network . . . may lose its soul, which is after all the quest for news" (M. Kalb).

spir·it (spîr¹ît) noun
1. a. The vital principle or animating force within living beings. b. Incorporeal consciousness....
2. The soul, considered as departing from the body of a person at death.
6. a. The part of a human being associated with the mind, will, and feelings: Though unable to join us today, they are with us in spirit. b. The essential nature of a person or group.
7. A person as characterized by a stated quality: He is a proud spirit.(11)

SOUL (nephesh):
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions

SPIRIT (ruach)
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character(13)

So in Hebrew "soul" refers to "that which breathes" and to the mind, desire, and emotions.
And "spirit" refers to "that which breathes" and the part of us which experiences emotions and is responsible for "mental acts."

Thayer's Greek words for soul (psuche) and spirit (pneuma):


SOUL (psuche):
1) breath
1a) the breath of life
1a1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
1a1a) of animals
1a12) of men
1b) life
1c) that in which there is life
1c1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
2a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
2b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
2c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death....

SPIRIT (pneuma)
2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
2b) the soul
3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
3a) a life giving spirit
3b) a human soul that has left the body
4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.(14)



Thus in Greek "soul" refers to the animating principle which feels, desires, and can attain everlasting life with God.
And "spirit" is also the animating principle which feels, thinks, and decides. And notice once again, the use of the word soul to define spirit (twice in fact: 2b,3b). Only #4 for spirit gives so much as a hint the two might be distinct.

Again using the Strong's:




Spirit
G4151
pneuma
pnyoo'-mah
From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.

Soul
G5590
psuche
psoo-khay'
From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]: - heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.


Spirit: "by analogy or figuratively a spirit" and "the rational soul"
Soul: "(by implication) spirit" and "the rational and immortal soul"

Same exact meanings.



Unfortunately scripture doesn't provide any reasoning why the two have their own names or why we need two of something that is essentially two of the same thing with no provided difference between them. It's kind of like having a two headed coin, the same on both sides yet one side is not the other side per se'.

The soul is the essence of humanity’s being; it is who we are. The spirit is the immaterial part of humanity that connects with God.

 

[ewq1938]

The soul is the essence of humanity’s being; it is who we are. The spirit is the immaterial part of humanity that connects with God.

The definitions of the words do not reflect that though. The whole point of this thread is to show there is no difference between the two except their names.

 

[tniles408]

I hope you don't hear this as contentious, but I personally believe that if you think spirit and soul are the same thing your understanding of the bible is seriously lacking. There is so much evidence that they are two seperate things I wouldn't know where to begin. Safe to say I personally don't agree with MOST of strong's definition of the word pneuma.

 

[ewq1938]

I hope you don't hear this as contentious, but I personally believe that if you think spirit and soul are the same thing your understanding of the bible is seriously lacking

That's fine. I feel exactly the same in the reverse.

 

[tniles408]

If I posted a video would you listen to it?

 

[tniles408]

I'll just post it:

I hope you listen to it and follow along and actually go to the scriptures, this revelation has a lot of potential to help you in your relationship with God. This was a very foundational revelation for me. Jesus loves you.

 

[AvgJoe]

The definitions of the words do not reflect that though. The whole point of this thread is to show there is no difference between the two except their names.

Question: "Do we have two or three parts? Body, soul, and spirit? Dichotomy or trichotomy?"

Answer: Genesis 1:26–27 indicates that God created mankind distinct from all the other creatures. Scripture clearly teaches that man is intended to experience intimate relationship with God, and, therefore, He created us as a unity of both material (physical) and immaterial (spiritual) aspects (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 10:28, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 4:16; 7:1, James 2:26). The material component of humans is obviously that which is tangible and temporal: the physical body. The immaterial aspects are intangible: soul, spirit, intellect, will, conscience, mind, emotions, etc. These exist unendingly beyond the lifespan of the physical body.

All human beings possess both material (physical) and immaterial (spiritual) characteristics. Each person has a physical body. However, the intangible, non-physical qualities of mankind are often debated. What does Scripture say about these? Genesis 2:7 states that man was created as a “living soul” (KJV). Numbers 16:22names God as the “God of the spirits of all flesh” (ESV). Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” indicating that the heart (not the myocardium) is central to man’s will and emotions. In Acts 23:1 Paul refers to the conscience as that part of the mind that convicts us of right and wrong. Romans 12:2 speaks of the transformative power of a renewed mind. These verses, and numerous others, refer to the various aspects of the spiritual components of humanity. We are a unified combination of both material and immaterial qualities.

Somehow, the soul, spirit, emotions, conscience, will, and mind are connected and interrelated. Perhaps the soul-spirit is comprised of a combination of all the other immaterial human aspects. With this in mind, is humanity dichotomous (“cut in two”) or trichotomous (“cut in three”)? In other words, do we have two parts (body and soul-spirit), or do we have three parts (body, soul, and spirit)? It is impossible to be dogmatic. Theologians have differed over this issue for centuries, and there has never been a decisive orthodox declaration of which is true.

Those who believe Scripture teaches that man is a dichotomy see humans as comprised of two parts: a body and a spirit. There are two general views of this dichotomy. The first view is that man is a united body and spirit that together comprise a living soul. A human soul is the spirit and the body united as one personhood. This view is supported by Genesis 2:7; Numbers 9:13; Psalm 16:10; 97:10 and Jonah 4:8. This view emphasizes that the Hebrew word nephesh in these verses refers to an integrated (unified) soul, living being, life, or self—i.e., a unified person (soul) comprised of a body and spirit. It is noted that, when the Bible speaks of the ruach (“breath, wind, or spirit”) being separated from the body, the person is disintegrated (fractured)—dead (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 104:29; 146:4).

The second dichotomic view is that the spirit and the soul are the same thing with two different names. This view emphasizes the fact that the words spirit and soul are often used interchangeably (Luke 1:46–47; Isaiah 26:9; Matthew 6:25; 10:28, 1 Corinthians 5:3, 5) and should be understood as synonyms referring to the same spiritual reality within each person. Therefore, the dichotomous position holds that man is comprised of two parts. Man is either a body and spirit, which makes a soul, or a body and soul-spirit.

Those who believe Scripture teaches that man is a trichotomy see man as comprised of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. They emphasize 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12, which seem to differentiate between spirit and soul. The dichotomist counters that, if 1 Thessalonians 5:23 teaches trichotomy, then, by the same hermeneutic, does Mark 12:30 teach tetrachotomy?

Is it important to conclusively decide between dichotomy and trichotomy? Perhaps not; however, a word of caution is appropriate. Because the trichotomist view downplays the interconnected unity of personhood, some have erroneously taught that God communicates mystically with our spirits and bypasses our intellects. Based on the same mistaken premise, some churches use the trichotomous position to teach the possibility of Christians being demon-possessed. Because they see the soul and spirit as two separate immaterial aspects within the Christian, they postulate that one can be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and the other can be possessed by demonic forces. This teaching is problematic in that there are no biblical references that those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit can be simultaneously possessed by demons.

Regardless of whether a Christian believes dichotomy or trichotomy best represents an accurate understanding of Scripture, we can all unitedly praise God with the psalmist: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

www.gotquestions.org/body-soul-spirit.html

 

[ewq1938]

I wish ppl would just comment on the content of the first post.

 

[JIMINZ]

It is my understanding, human beings are physically Flesh and Blood, having a Spirit, this being our life force (Vitality).

There is a problem which arises when we come to the Soul of Man.

We are not told where the Soul comes from, all we do know is, when the Spirit is placed into the Human Being, the Soul is then Created, it's the combining of the Flesh and the Spirit of Man, our Soul is who we are as a Person, our Essence.

This Essence is what people think of when they think of us, we are identified by our Soul, the type of person we are,

There are two places in the New Testament where we are described as Triune Beings.

Therefore, the Flesh (Body), Spirit (Vitality), Soul (Essence) while being separate from one another make up the what we know to be a Human Being (Man)

1Th. 5:23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb. 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


Question:
When we are Saved, is it our Spirit (Vitality) which dies, or is it our Flesh, not our Physical Flesh (Body) but our Soul (Essence) which is changed, our Body is still alive, we become Spiritual Beings, where before we were Flesh (Body), Spirit (Vitality), Soul (Essence) we are now Flesh (Body), Spirit (Vitality), Soul (Essence) but our Soul (Essence) having been changed, we have become New Creatures in Christ.

2Co. 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Rom. 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

So you see, the Flesh (Body) and the Spirit (Vitality) are two separate entities unto themselves.

But the Soul (Essence) of a man is not Created until the Spirit has been placed into the Flesh Body) thus animating the Body, it is this animation therefore of the Flesh (Body) by the Spirit (Vitality) which causes the Soul (Essence) to be Created.

The Soul (Essence) is therefore not a separate entity unto itself, but only comes into being when it is combined with the Flesh Body), and the Spirit (Vitality)

The Vitality and the Essence therefore are not synonymous, although they are together, they are separate parts of the same whole, the Human Being.


We are told. by Paul
2Co. 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

So then, when we do physically die, and are present with the Lord, will that be our Spirit (Vitality) or our Soul (Essence)?

Is it the Vitality of the Man, or the Essence of the Man, which will be Judged?

2Co. 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

 

[paul1149]

We should expect this to be a difficult thing, because Heb 4.12 teaches that it takes the living word of God to distinguish between soul and spirit, they are so close. Soul is basically who we are, mind, will, and emotions, and the OT does not overtly make the distinction between it and spirit. But in Christ we have been baptized into His death. "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." And when we rise out of baptism, it is into life in the spirit. Consequently, we can worship God in spirit and truth.

It's still not easy to differentiate between soul and spirit. This is why the gift of discernment of spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Spirit often runs with emotions, and it takes this gift to discern between them.

When Hebrews speaks of the communion of saints, it says we have approached the spirits - not the souls - of just men made perfect.

 

[justbyfaith]

But our soul isn't changed at salvation, that's why we have to renew our mind.

1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

 

[tniles408]

That verse in no way negates what I said. I can purify my soul (mind will and emotions) to a degree over time by obeying the truth, thinking better thoughts, having better desires, etc, but our souls aren't what is changed instantly at salvation. You may have started the process of mind renewal and changing your soul when you got saved, but our spirit is what is changed instantly and made perfect, righteous, and truly holy at salvation. This verse isn't talking about salvation it's talking about something they did after salvation. Notice the verse says YOU have done it through YOUR obedience to the truth. Salvation is something given because of what JESUS has done, it's our faith in HIS obedience that saves us and makes us born again. Also, the verse after that one says "since you have been born again", further evidence that it wasn't speaking of salvation.

 

[justbyfaith]

That verse in no way negates what I said. I can purify my soul (mind will and emotions) to a degree over time by obeying the truth, thinking better thoughts, having better desires, etc, but our souls aren't what is changed instantly at salvation. You may have started the process of mind renewal and changing your soul when you got saved, but our spirit is what is changed instantly and made perfect, righteous, and truly holy at salvation. This verse isn't talking about salvation it's talking about something they did after salvation. Notice the verse says YOU have done it through YOUR obedience to the truth. Salvation is something given because of what JESUS has done, it's our faith in HIS obedience that saves us and makes us born again. Also, the verse after that one says "since you have been born again", further evidence that it wasn't speaking of salvation.

See Proverbs 20:9. Jesus is the only One who can purify the soul. And it is my personal and humble opinion that He does this at salvation.

 

[tniles408]

See Proverbs 20:9. Jesus is the only One who can purify the soul. And it is my personal and humble opinion that He does this at salvation.

So... you quote a verse that says you can purify your soul by obeying the truth, then you say only Jesus can purify the soul?..... also, prov 20:9 is clear no one can cleanse their own heart of sin... I fail to see how that applies here. In any case, I would be interested to hear your definition of soul.