It’s Saturday and each Saturday I am going to be writing and answering a Bible question. Today’s question is one that many Bible students ask.
What is the difference between man’s soul and his spirit?
It has long been said that man has three parts: (1) Soul. (2) Spirit and (3) Body. It is easy to understand the body of man. We see it, but what is the difference between the soul and the spirit?
Answer: Hebrew 4:12 certainly teaches that there is a difference. It reads,
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Here are my thoughts: There is no Scripture that clearly teaches the difference, but I believe that the soul is the eternal part of man that is created at birth or even conception. The spirit, however, refers to a person’s mental or emotional state, such as their will, determination, or enthusiasm.
If someone disagrees with this, I will just say that this seems likely to me, but even though I have studied this, I am open to further study.
If you have a Bible question you would like to see discussed, send it to me and we will look at it.
Lonnie Davis