In our last episode, we examined how the Old Testament defines the human soul. In that discussion, we saw clear scriptural evidence defining the soul as life on a mortal level. The same Hebrew word for "soul" or "life" was consistently used to describe both animals and humans. Here we will focus on the New Testament. The big questions are simple: Did Jesus teach us that human souls are mortal in the same way we concluded the Old Testament taught? Did he in some way elevate and change that conclusion?
Key New Testament points regarding the nature of the human soul
The Hebrew word nephesh (Old Testament) and the Greek word psuchē (New Testament) both translate to "soul," meaning a living being or sentient creature.
It is mortal and closely tied to life and physical existence.
This definition bridge between the Hebrew and Greek languages gives us a basis on which we can now observe practical New Testament teachings.
New Testament insights
Jesus and Paul both reaffirmed the mortal nature of the soul, emphasizing the physical and finite aspects of life.
Passages such as Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 highlight that death is the result of sin, while eternal life is a gift from God through resurrection.
While these insights give us clear direction regarding our scriptural interpretation, there are still other questions that need consideration. The first is understanding the relationship between soul and spirit.
Distinction between "soul" and "spirit"
The soul (psuchē) refers to a living being, while the spirit (pneuma) denotes unseen power or influence.
Hebrews 4:12 distinguishes the two, showing that God's word can reveal who we are and what influences guide us.
If the soul is not immortal, then where did the concept come from? Greek ideas, particularly from Plato and Pythagoras, introduced this concept, which later influenced Christian doctrine.
Our conclusion is that the Bible from beginning to end teaches that humanity is mortal, created as physical beings with finite lives. The concept of an immortal soul simply has no place in Scripture. The New Testament emphasizes the hope of resurrection through Christ, who offered his mortal life as a sacrifice for humanity. This teaching underscores the profound value of Jesus' gift and God's plan for eternal life in His kingdom.