Soul
ψυχή (psychē)
The inner life, self, and animating essence of a person.
Psychē is the Greek word for soul, referring to the inner life, self, and vital essence of a person. It encompasses the mind, emotions, will, and the immaterial part of human existence.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" — Matthew 16:26 (KJV)
Key Verses
Matthew 16:26
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”Read in context
Psalm 23:3
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”Read in context
3 John 1:2
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Psychē comes from the Greek verb psychō, meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow.' It signifies the breath of life, the animating principle that makes a body alive. In the Septuagint, psychē translates the Hebrew nephesh, which similarly means 'living being' or 'life.' The word encompasses the totality of a person's inner life.
The Soul in the Old Testament
In Hebrew thought, nephesh does not denote a separate immaterial substance but the whole living person. 'The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul' (Genesis 2:7). The soul hungers, thirsts, grieves, and rejoices — it is the seat of desire and emotion.
The Soul in the New Testament
Jesus elevated the soul's value infinitely: 'What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?' (Matthew 16:26). The New Testament presents the soul as the essential self that survives physical death. Jesus told the thief on the cross, 'Today shalt thou be with me in paradise' (Luke 23:43), affirming conscious existence beyond death.
Soul Care and Restoration
God is the shepherd and restorer of souls (Psalm 23:3; 1 Peter 2:25). Soul care involves worship, Scripture meditation, prayer, confession, and community. The greatest commandment calls for loving God with all one's soul (Matthew 22:37), indicating that the soul's deepest purpose is communion with its Creator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the soul in the Bible?
The soul (psychē/nephesh) is the inner life, vital essence, and true self of a person. It encompasses mind, emotions, and will, and it has eternal significance.
What happens to the soul after death?
Scripture teaches that the soul continues to exist after physical death. Believers enter God's presence (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23), while unbelievers face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Soul"?
Matthew 16:26 — "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 23:3, 3 John 1:2.
Why does the Greek word behind "Soul" matter?
Psychē comes from the Greek verb psychō, meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow.' It signifies the breath of life, the animating principle that makes a body alive. English uses one word, "Soul", where the Greek ψυχή (psychē) carries the fuller sense: the inner life, self, and animating essence of a person.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Soul (ψυχή (psychē))
The inner life, self, and animating essence of a person.
Soul (Psuchē) (ψυχή (psuchē))
The inner life and self — the animating principle, the person, the seat of identity.
Strong's G5590 — Soul (Psuchē)
ψυχή (psuchē) • The inner life and self — the animating principle, the person, the seat of identity.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
Strong's G4102 — Faith
πίστις (Pistis) • Complete trust, confidence, and belief in God and His promises
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