7. Which Hebrew word is translated “soul” and what does it actually mean?
NOTE: ‘The word “nephesh” occurs 745 times in the Old Testament, and is translated by the term “soul” about 473 times. In every instance in the Old Testament where the word “soul” occurs, it is from “nephesh,” with the exception of Job 30:15, where it comes from the Hebrew word “n’dee-bah”, and Isaiah 57:16, where it is from the word “n’shah-mah”. Gesenius, the standard Hebrew lexicographer, defines “nephesh” as follows: 1. Breath. 2. The vital spirit, as the Greek “psuche,” the Latin “anima,” through which the body lives; i. e., the principle of life manifested in the breath. To this he also ascribes “whatever has respect to the sustenance of life by food and drink, and on the contrary.” 3. The rational soul, mind, animus, as the seat of feelings, affections, and emotions. 4. living thing, animal in which is the “nephesh,” life. Besides the word “soul,” “nephesh” is translated “life” and “lives,” as in Genesis 1:20, 30, in all 118 times. It is translated “person,” as in Genesis 14:21, in all 29 times. It is translated “mind,” as in Genesis 23:8, in all 15 times. It is translated “heart,” as in Exodus 23:9, in all 15 times. It is translated “body,” or “dead body,” as in Numbers 6:6, in all 11 times. It is translated “will,” as in Psalm 27:12, in all 4 times. It is translated “appetite,” as in Proverbs 23:2, twice; “lust,” as in Psalm 78:18, twice; “thing,” as in Leviticus 11:10, twice.’ The Source Book for Bible Students, page 316.
8. Which Greek word is translated “soul” and what does it actually mean?
NOTE: ‘“Pneuma” Defined. Bullinger’s Greek Lexicon on “Spirit.” Spirit, “pneuma” (from “pneo,” to blow, breathe; send forth an odour; to breathe or smell of a thing; of animals, to breathe hard, pant, gasp; to draw breath, breathe, and so to live); hence, the air we breathe, wind; breathing as the sign and condition of life, breath. When it is not used for wind, it expresses immateriality, that which cannot be apprehended by the senses, but is recognised only by its operations or manifestations, as it is seen by the life, the liveliness, the activities, whether these activities be mental, moral, or physical. In the Old Testament “pneuma” is everywhere the translation of “ruach”, and is the life principle springing from God, and is said to be possessed by all the lower creatures. Genesis 6:17; 7:14; Psalm 104:29, 30; Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20; Isaiah 42:5. The “ruach”, or “pneuma”, of God is the source of life in all its manifestations. The withdrawal of it leaves “thanatos” (death), the opposite of “zoe” (life). Psalms 114:30 [104:29]; 137:17 [107:17, 18]; 146:4; Job 15:30; 27:3; Ecclesiastes 8:8; 12:7; James 2:26. Critical Lexicon, Rev. E. W. Bullinger, D. D. (Church of England), under “Spirit.” London: Longmans, Green & Co. “Psuche” as used in the Scriptures. The word “soul” in the New Testament comes invariably from the Greek word (psuche); which word occurs 105 times. It is translated “soul” 58 times; “life” 40 times; “mind” 3 times; “heart” twice; “us” once; and “you” once, six different ways.’’ The Source Book for Bible Students, pages 317-318.