Ananel said:
Justify for me, from Scripture, the existence of the soul. I would prefer greek commentary to be included if possible. Note: I am not asking about the permanence of the person after death. I am asking about a separate thing we call the 'soul.' There is a difference.
I am asking as a matter of curiousity, wondering what thoughts here would be on the subject. Stick to scripture please, as this question is specifically regarding what that text says on the subject.
Good question. Alot is said and much is made of the subject both in and out of Theological discussions, but not a whole lot of explanation given within Scripture itself. Unfortunately, Scripture doesn't explain that which would have a common understanding to the original reader. It is certain that Paul, and/or the writer of Hebrews, makes a distinction between the two: "
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart"(Heb. 4:12).
And Paul writes,
"And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thes. 5:23). As if to say that without the inclusion of the "soul" we would be un-whole.
Thayers defines it this way: (psuche - 5590) "the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing." This seems to correspond to the Hebrew word for "soul" (Heb. nephesh #05315), "that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man."
That is which the invisible quality, the energy or force that is the person apart from his/her human shell. This "soul" appears to be different than the "spirit" which is imparted to us by God. Though I don't expect that you are debating the existince of the spirit.
It's difficult to find Greek commentary that would debate the permanence of the soul, in light of their pantheistic culture. By modern commentary, Adam Clarke puts it this way regarding the 1 Thes. 5:23 passage, "[Your whole spirit and soul and body] Some think that the apostle alludes to the Pythagorean and Platonic doctrine, which was acknowledged among the Thessalonians. I should rather believe that he refers simply to the fact, that the creature called man is a compound being, consisting, 1. Of a body, swma, an organized system, formed by the creative energy of God out of the dust of the earth; composed of bones, muscles, and nerves; of arteries, veins, and a variety of other vessels, in which the blood and other fluids circulate. 2. Of a soul, quch, which is the seat of the different affections and passions, such as love, hatred, anger, &c., with sensations, appetites, and propensities of different kinds. 3. Of spirit, pneuma, the immortal principle, the source of life to the body and soul, without which the animal functions cannot be performed, how perfect soever the bodily organs may be; and which alone possesses the faculty of intelligence, understanding, thinking, and reasoning, and produces the faculty of speech wherever it resides, if accident have not impaired the organs of speech.
The apostle prays that this compound being, in all its parts, powers, and faculties, which he terms oloklhron, their whole, comprehending all parts, every thing that constitutes man and manhood, may be sanctified and preserved blameless till the coming of Christ; hence we learn, 1. That body, soul, and spirit are debased and polluted by sin. 2. That each is capable of being sanctified, consecrated in all its powers to God, and made holy. 3. That the whole man is to be preserved to the coming of Christ, that body, soul, and spirit may be then glorified for ever with him."
I do agree, that I do not see Paul arguing for the permanence of the soul, while Philo does make a case for it's continuation. Just my .02 cents worth.
Eph.
