His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the meaning of the word “soul” in the Holy Bible, showing the multiple uses and meanings of the term—whether referring to physical life, the entire human being, or the spirit. This explanation clarifies the doctrinal distinctions between soul, spirit, and body as presented in various biblical passages.

📖 First: The Meanings of the Word “Soul” in the Holy Bible

1️⃣ The Soul as the Cause of Physical Life

The word soul is used to indicate the principle of physical life in a person. Thus the Bible says: “The soul of the person is in his blood”, meaning that the shedding of blood implies the departure of the soul, because it is the source of bodily life.

2️⃣ The Soul Meaning the Whole Person

Sometimes the word soul refers to the whole human being, as in: “eight souls were saved”, meaning eight individuals. Likewise, the King of Sodom said to Abraham: “Give me the souls”, meaning the people, not just their spirits.

3️⃣ The Soul as a Group of People

The expression “the souls who came with Jacob” refers to the persons who came with him, numbering sixty-six human beings, not merely “souls” in a spiritual sense.

4️⃣ The Soul that Sins

In Ezekiel: “The soul that sins shall die”, meaning that the whole person is judged and condemned because of sin.

5️⃣ The Soul Meaning the Spirit

Sometimes the term soul means the spirit, as Christ said: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul”, meaning the spirit that cannot be harmed by physical death.

📜 Spiritual Summary

Biblical teaching shows that the word soul does not carry a single meaning but includes physical life, the whole human being, and the spirit. This variety reveals the depth of the biblical understanding of the human being as composed of body, soul, and spirit. This understanding invites the believer to discern God’s work within their entire being and to honor human life as a divine gift that includes both body and spirit.

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