Bible Question:
What is the difference between the “soul” and “spirit”? Since body, soul, and spirit are not the same, we know that our earthly body dies, and our spirit ascends into heaven. What happens to the soul?
Bible Answer:
The vast majority of people believe that man has a body and soul. Others believe man has a spirit. So we must ask, “Is there a difference between the soul and spirit?” If there is a difference between the soul and spirit, what is it? Some believe there is no difference between soul and spirit. Therefore, they believe that man is a dichotomy. This is also called dichotomism. Others believe the Bible teaches man is body, soul, and spirit. That is, man is a trichotomy. This view is called trichotomism. We need to consider what the Bible teaches.
Are Soul and Spirit Interchangeable?
There are several reasons why someone might believe that man is a dichotomy. First, the Bible refers to body and soul in combination most of the time. Since Genesis 35:18 teaches Rachel died when her soul left her body, that suggests the soul is identical to the spirit because Matthew 27:50 says that Jesus died on the cross when He “yielded up His spirit.” These verses suggest soul and spirit are identical.
Second, if we compare the following passages we discover that soul and spirit are used interchangeably (italics have been added).
Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, “Father, save Me from this hour”? But for this purpose I came to this hour. John 12:27 (NASB)
When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” John 13:21 (NASB)
In both verses Jesus is speaking to the twelve disciples. Both times He said that He was troubled. But one time He said that His soul was troubled and the next time He said that His spirit was troubled. That seems to suggest that the soul and spirit are identical terms.
If we compare Hebrews 12:23 with 1 Peter 2:25, we discover that soul and spirit are both used to refer to our spiritual existence after death.
. . . to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect . . . Hebrews 12:23 (NASB)
. . . obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9 (NASB)
Hebrew 12:23 tells us that after death, the spirits of believers will be made perfect. 1 Peter 1:9 says the outcome of faith in Christ is the salvation of our souls. Therefore, it appears that soul and spirit are interchangeable terms.
Are Soul and Spirit Different?
But Scripture also seems to teach that the soul and spirit are different for several reasons. First, if we examine the Hebrew and Greek words that are used in the Bible for soul and spirit it appears they are different. For example, the Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, but the Hebrew word that is used for spirit is ruah. Ruah is the Hebrew word that is translated as spirit 98.2% of the time for soul. In the New Testament the Greek word that is translated as soul 100% of the time is psyche. But the Greek word that is used for spirit 98.9% of the time is pneuma. This means that soul and spirit are translated from different words throughout the Bible.
Second, those who believe man is a trichotomy point to 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12. These passages clearly teach that the soul and spirit are different. Otherwise, why would both words be used in the same sentence?
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete . . . 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NASB)
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, . . . Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
Third, when Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus He said,
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6 (NASB)
That is when a person becomes a true Christian they are renewed (Titus3:5). They were spiritually dead, but now they are alive (Ephesians 2:1-2). Ezekiel 11:19 says that God will give the believer a new spirit.
And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them . . . Ezekiel 11:19 (NASB)
Notice that God did not say He would give the believer a new soul. Ezekiel 36:26-27 says the same thing. John 4:24 adds that since God is spirit we must worship in spirit. He did say “soul.”
Thus Scripture gives us strong evidence that the soul and spirit are different terms.
Conclusion:
So some passages suggest that soul and spirit are interchangeable terms and other verses strongly indicate they are different. It appears man is a trichotomy. He has a body and soul. The soul is the life force that causes the brain, heart, and organs to breathe, function and maintain the body. It is possible that when our spirit is present, the “soul” operates, causing the body to function. So, Scripture speaks of the soul ceasing to exist. It ceases to exist because the spirit has departed. But Scripture never explains in detail how the body, soul, and spirit work together.
At this point, there is a fundamental principle in interpreting the Bible that we must remember. It says, “If Scripture is silent, we are best to be quiet.” Therefore, I will be quiet on this one. We cannot with confidence, claim to know the difference between the terms “soul” and “spirit” as used in the Bible. This is an obscure topic in Scripture. God did not consider this to be a very important topic, or He would have provided us with more information. Each time God uses these terms in Scripture, He is trying to communicate a much greater truth. We must avoid controversies (1 Timothy 1:3-5). I rejoice that we do not know everything in Scripture. Lord willing, it will help to keep us humble. May the Lord bless you.
Suggested Links:
Does man have a soul? Does he just return to the dust?What is the meaning of the soul that sinneth it shall die? — Ezekiel 18:4