Topic(s):  Bible Study, Eternity & Judgment

Todd Clippard

In the Old Testament, the word "spirit" may indication one's mind (Genesis 41:8); one's attitude (Numbers 5:14); or one's soul (Ecclesiastes 12:7). It may also refer to a heavenly being (2 Chronicles 18:20).

In the New Testament, there is a difference between the soul and spirit, as there are differing words which are used to designate each. The Greek word translated "soul" is psuche (soo-kay) and the Greek for "spirit" is pneuma (nooma). Also, each of these Greek words are also are used in a variety of ways. In any case, one must give careful consideration to every usage and allow the context to determine the writer's intent.

The word for "soul" (psuche) appears in the Greek New Testament some 100+ times, and is generally translated "soul" or "life." However, it also appears as "mind" (Acts 14:2) and "heart" (Ephesians 6:6).

Psuche has reference to the life of man in the following passages: Matthew 2:20; 6:25; 10:39; 16:25; 20:28; John 10:11-17.

Psuche has reference to the eternal soul of man in the following passages: Matthew 10:28; 16:26; Luke 12:20.