What’s the Difference Between Soul & Spirit?
[image from The Legend of Korra]
There’s one passage in scripture that makes it sound like “soul” and “spirit” are two different things… but what’s the difference between them?
For the word of God is alive and active. It’s sharper than any double-edged sword and pierces deeply enough to divide the soul and spirit, the joints and marrow. It judges the heart’s thoughts and plans.
—Hebrews 4:12 (simplified)
Biblical Definition of “Soul”
OT Definition
nepes (noun)
1. soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion,
2. that which breathes, the breathing substance, the inner being of a human
3. the living being
4. the man himself, the self, the person or individual
5. the seat of appetites, emotions, and passions
6. the activity of the mind, will, and character
NT Definition
psuche (noun)
1. breath, breath of life, life
2. the soul
3. the seat of the will, desires, and affections
4. the person or self
To summarize these definitions, the soul seems to be the “self.” It’s the non-physical part of each individual person. My soul is comprised of my appetites, desires, passions, and affections.
Biblical Definition of “Spirit”
OT Definition
ruah (noun)
1. wind, breath, mind, spirit
2. spirit, animation, vivacity, vigor, courage
3. temper, anger
4. disposition (like troubled, bitter, discontented), uncontrollable impulse
5. seat of emotion or thought
NT Definition
pneuma (noun)
1. air in motion, wind, breath
2. spirit, frame of mind, disposition, influence
3. an incorporeal being, a spirit, a disembodied human being, an angel or demon
There’s definitely some overlap between “soul” and “spirit,” and I think the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. But there also seem to be some differences. The word “spirit” seems to be more of the thing animating the self or the self’s disposition / frame of mind.
English Definition of “Spirit”
There’s also one English definition that I found to be helpful because of how well-rounded and all-encompassing it is:
spirit (noun)
1. A thought, attitude, or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades one’s thoughts, feelings, or actions.
This definition reinforces the way spirits are described in the Hebrew & Greek definitions.
Conclusion
The soul is the “self” while the spirit is what propels the self.
Having a sinful nature means that our souls/selves are prone to being guided by spirits that operate in opposition to God. I definitely find that to be true in my own experience. When I’m left to my own devices, I find that my soul/self becomes influenced by all kinds of negative spirits. Just as one example, I can sometimes find a spirit of lust trying to permeate my soul. It gives me a hunger for pleasure that invades my thoughts and tries to propel me toward sin. Another example is that I can sometimes find a spirit of pride trying to influence my soul. It inspires me to write on this blog so that I can receive praise and recognition.
But negative spirits aren’t the only spirits that can animate our souls. John 4:24 says that God himself is spirit, which means that he is capable of inspiring, animating, and pervading our souls too. Sometimes I sense a battle in my soul between God’s spirit and negative spirits. Sometimes when I’m tempted to operate under the influence of a lustful spirit, God’s spirit will inspire my soul to resist temptation. Or sometimes his spirit will remind my soul that the reason I write on this blog isn’t for my own glory, but for his.
So when Hebrews says that God’s word pierces deeply enough to divide the soul and spirit, I think it means he shows us what kind of spirit is influencing my soul/self. If my soul/self is operating under the influence of a destructive spirit, listening to God will convict me of that. But if my soul/self is operating under the influence of God himself, then listening to God will confirm that.