Question:
Could you please explain the term “soul of man”? The Bible states that man was created from the dust of the earth, and God breathed into him the breath of life, which made him a living soul. Some people tell us that the soul represents the spirit of man and is eternal, never dying.
Answer:
The word “soul” is used in the Bible with various meanings. Sometimes it refers to the whole person. When man was created from the dust of the earth, he became a living soul; the breath of life made him so. He was considered a soul or person before, but he was lifeless. The breath of life gave him life. For instance, in 1 Peter 3:20, we read that eight souls were saved in the ark, and in Revelation 16:3, it states, “Every living soul died in the sea,” meaning every living creature.
“Soul” also expresses the thoughts and affections common to all humanity, along with physical life. In Psalm 103:1, it says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Furthermore, “soul” can signify life itself. It does not mean spirit, as a converted person has both spirit and soul. Rather, it refers to the animal life shared by all creatures. An example of this is found in Matthew 16:25-26. In the Common Version, the words “life” and “soul” are derived from the same Greek term; however, nowhere in the Bible is the soul described as immortal, never dying, or deathless. Instead, it is something we may lose.
Therefore, we can summarize three comprehensive definitions of the word “soul”: a living person; the natural mind, thoughts, intellect, and affections; and mere life or vitality.
