Soul (Psuchē)
ψυχή (psuchē)
The inner life and self — the animating principle, the person, the seat of identity.
Psuchē is the Greek word for soul, meaning the inner life, self, or animating principle. It describes the total person — the seat of emotions, will, and identity that distinguishes a living being from a corpse.
"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
Mark 12:30
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.”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
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G5590 — Soul (Psuchē) (ψυχή (psuchē))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ψυχή (psuchē) appears.
Open Strong's G5590Etymology and Original Meaning
Psuchē comes from psuchō, meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow.' At its most basic, it means 'breath' — the animating principle that makes a body alive. It extends to mean 'life,' 'self,' 'person,' and 'soul.' The Hebrew equivalent nephesh carries the same range: breath, life, appetite, desire, self. The soul is not a detachable component but the living, breathing, desiring self.
The Value of the Soul
Jesus asked the most penetrating question in Scripture: 'What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' (Matthew 16:26). The soul — the true self, the eternal person — is worth more than all material wealth combined. This single question reorients all priorities: nothing is worth trading for the soul's welfare.
Soul, Spirit, and Body
Paul prays for the sanctification of 'spirit and soul and body' (1 Thessalonians 5:23). While theologians debate whether humans are bipartite (body/soul) or tripartite (body/soul/spirit), the practical point is clear: God cares for the whole person. The soul is not opposed to the body but intertwined with it — human flourishing involves the integration of all dimensions.
The Prospering Soul
John's wish — 'that thou mayest prosper... even as thy soul prospereth' (3 John 1:2) — establishes soul health as the standard for all other prosperity. A prospering soul is one that is growing in faith, love, knowledge of God, and Christ-likeness. External prosperity without soul prosperity is hollow; soul prosperity without external prosperity is still richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does soul mean in the Bible?
Soul (psuchē) means the inner life, self, and animating principle — the total person including emotions, will, and identity. It is the living, breathing, desiring self that distinguishes a person from a corpse.
What is the difference between soul and spirit?
The distinction is debated. Generally, soul (psuchē) emphasizes the self, emotions, and personal life, while spirit (pneuma) emphasizes the God-connected, spiritual dimension. Both are aspects of the inner person, deeply interrelated.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Soul (Psuchē)"?
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 Mark 12:30, 3 John 1:2.
Why does the Greek word behind "Soul (Psuchē)" matter?
Psuchē comes from psuchō, meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow.' At its most basic, it means 'breath' — the animating principle that makes a body alive. English uses one word, "Soul (Psuchē)", where the Greek ψυχή (psuchē) carries the fuller sense: the inner life and self — the animating principle, the person, the seat of identity.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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.
Soul (ψυχή (psychē))
The inner life, self, and animating essence of a person.
Strong's G2889 — World (Kosmos)
κόσμος (kosmos) • The ordered creation, or the human system organized in opposition to God.
Biblical Meaning of Fish in a Dream (KJV)
Souls, provision, and the harvest of the gospel.
Biblical Meaning of Dogs in a Dream (KJV)
Loyalty when tame, but also false teachers and unclean influence.
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