I wanted to find an easy and quick definition for soul from the Bible but there is none and the difficulty of translating into English from Hebrew and Latin [Greek] subtexts comes fully to the fore. I have been perplexed by the differences between the King James Version and other versions that preclude them from using the word. Doing the research I find that the definition of ‘soul’ in Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is literally 500 words revealing a very complex word that has several meanings and shades of meaning. A visit to the link is worth the effort, you are also afforded other examples of where the word soul is used. https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=VT0002707 A mention of the soul of man has been visited briefly in these pages (see “Waiting with Stones” or “A Quick Pass through Romans 15:4” and “Complete Deliverance Parts I & II”) but there has not been a through discussion of the journey and transition of salvation. This page will begin to remedy that lapse.
Introducing three important premises:
- Human beings were formed from dust and spirit was breathed into Adam by God as described in Genesis 2:7 hence man is a spirit that has a soul and lives in a body. II Cor. 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”. The treasure spoken of is the born-again spirit, redeemed from destruction, alive, communicative and celebratory toward God.
- The human is a tripart being created in the image and likeness of God. This said with the knowledge that the soul is also tripart containing mind, will and emotions.
- Salvation is both a journey and a process. The born-again spirit is saved, the soul is being saved and the body will be saved and resurrected on the Day of the Lord.
As it has been said for many years by Tim LaHaye and other, there is an ongoing “battle for the mind”. I would beg to differ that there is a battle for the soul i.e. that the mind is only a part of the soul and that we must learn to open ourselves to the healing we need for the mind, [because we are vulnerable to confusion], the will [because like Christ, we must conform our will to God’s will] and the emotions [to evolve past the natural emotional state that we have inherited to the emotional stature of Christ].
The premises reinforce the notion that the process of salvation is dynamic and purposeful and that we have work to do to be “kingdom ready”. What do we need to learn about managing our Mind, Will and Emotions in preparation for the kingdom. Psalm 23 says He restores [continously] my soul (vs. 3)
Some other poignant ‘soulful’ verses from the KJV that bear pondering and meditation:
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [Mark 8:36-37]
In your patience possess ye your souls. [Luke 21:19]
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. [Hebrews 10:38-39]
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. [Psalm 42: 1,2 & 5]
and yet another for a friend from last night: Isaiah 55:2
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.