Davy
Well-Known Member
The word “soul” in the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew word neʹphesh and the Greek word psy·kheʹ. The Hebrew word literally means “a creature that breathes,” and the Greek word means “a living being.” Many Bible translations render the words neʹphesh and psy·kheʹ differently according to the context, using words such as soul, life, person, creature, or body.
"And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7)
Adam wasn't given a soul as many religions teach, but rather, Adam, Became a Living Soul. Notice how others translated this verse @ (Genesis 2:7) | New International Version Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
- Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, and breatheth into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature.
- American Standard Version And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- World English Bible Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- NWT And Jehovah God went on to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living person.
The punishment for disobedience was Death, not an eternal life of punishment. "But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:17)
- "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.”(Genesis 3:19)
- “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” —Ezekiel 18: 4, 20, King James Version.
“Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” (Exodus 31:14 KJV)
Note: Although many Bible translations use the terms “dead body” or “dead person” in some verses, the original Hebrew uses the word neʹphesh, or “soul.”
Many Religions teach that the soul never dies. It that was true, then the Resurrection would be an unnecessary act.
- Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” (John 11:23-25)
- The Apostles Paul also stated, "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a Resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Is There Hope for the Dead?
All the above, including those small references to the New Testament, is based solely on the Old Testament idea that the soul part is a material thing associated with flesh life. That is a traditional JEWISH belief that the Jews have held for centuries, i.e., that the soul does not continue in life after flesh death, i.e., that it is in the grave with dead bones and will only have life again in the resurrection.
I say again, all that above belief is from JUDAISM. It has been taught in the Christian Church too by those Judaizers converts from the Pharisees, like the ones Apostle Paul had to deal with in Galatians. That is the origin of the 'dead in the ground' theory.
The New Testament reveals that 'dead in the ground' idea is an idea from men, not God's Word. Here's why:
1. firstly, God's Word is NOT just the Old Testament Books. The New Testament reveals more detail about many things only hinted at in the Old Testament. The nature of the soul and what the resurrection body is are two topics given more detail in the New Testament Books.
2. by omitting relevant New Testament Scripture evidence about the soul or personality continuing after flesh death shows an attempt to deceive. Such evidence is in Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:42-43; Luke 16:19-31, and Jesus speaking with Moses and Elias (Elijah) upon the mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17, all examples of the soul's continued existence by our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 Corinthians 5; Philippians 1:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 12, by Apostle Paul; 1 Peter 3 & 4 about Jesus preaching to the "spirits in prison" at His resurrection, etc.
3. and thirdly, by their lack of understanding of what type body the 'resurrection' is, per 1 Corinthians 15:42-54; 2 Corinthians 5; and especially Mark 12:24-27 by Lord Jesus that those of the resurrection are as the angels of God in Heaven.
Here is what Charles Spurgeon said about Moses and Elijah appearing, and speaking with Lord Jesus:
Matthew 17:3
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
"Thus the Law and the Prophets, “Moses and Elias”, communed with our Lord, “talking with him”; and entering into familiar conversation with their Lord. Saints long departed still live; live in their personality; are known by their names; and enjoy near access to Christ. It is a great joy to holy ones to be with Jesus: they find it heaven to be where they can talk with him. The heads of former dispensations conversed with the Lord as to his decease, by which a new economy would be ushered in. After condescending so long to his ignorant followers, it must have been a great relief to the human soul of Jesus to talk with two master-minds like those of Moses and Elijah. What a sight for the apostles, this glorious trio! They “appeared unto them”, but they “talked with him”: the object of the two holy ones was not to converse with apostles, but with their Master. Although saints are seen of men, their fellowship is with Jesus."
(from Commentary on Matthew, by Charles Spurgeon. Biblesoft Formatted Electronic Database Copyright © 2014 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)