What is soul and what is spirit? There is a difference between the two. The Holy Bible speaks of both in the same sentence with distinction. The dictionary defines the two words as being very close in proximity and interchangeable. However, the Holy Bible does make a clear distinction. To be completely technical, here's the American Heritage definition of soul:
Soul
1 The animating and vital principle in humans often conceived as an immaterial entity that survives death. 2 A spirit or a ghost. 3 A human. The central or vital part of something. 4 A person considered as the perfect embodiment of an intangible quality; the very soul of discretion. 5 A person's emotional or moral nature. 6 A sense of ethnic pride among African Americans. 7 A strong deeply felt emotion conveyed by a speaker, performer, or artist.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living 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.
Hebrews 4:11-14
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than a twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our profession.
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus speaks of the soul
NIV What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:25-26
KJV For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with the angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Priceless soul
I have good news to share with you. Your soul is priceless! It is so valuable that it cannot be sold. You may be rich, poor, blind, crippled or completely healthy, the soul is a gift that you were born with regardless of how much enthusiasm you are blessed with.
As you can see from the American Heritage dictionary, the definition of soul and spirit are not very distinguishable but according to the Holy Bible they are divisible.
Spirit
Spirit is, 1 The animating force within living beings; soul. 2 Spirit The Holy Spirit. 3 A supernatural being; ghost. 4 The part of a human associated with the mind, will, and feelings. 5 A person marked by a stated quality: He is a proud spirit. 6 spirits A mood or emotional state. 7 Vivacity, vigor, or courage. 8 Strong loyalty or dedication. 9 A predominant mood or attitude: a spirit of rebellion. 10 The actual though unstated sense or significance of something: the spirit of the low. 11 often spirits (takes a singular verb) An alcohol solution of an essential or volatile substance. 12 spirits An alcoholic beverage.
I simply love what the profit Ezra has to say about joy from the book of Nehemiah. Ezra read to the assembly from the book of the Law and everyone there was able to understand it. The Levite's were so excited that they celebrated for seven days.
Ezra the writer and priest stood on a high wooden platform that was especially built for this occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah. On his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam. When Ezra opened the book of the Law, everyone stood up. Ezra blessed the Lord. Everyone said, Amen and lifted their hands. They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces toward the ground.
They read the word of God and it made sense to them as you will see in Nehemiah chapter 8, verse 8. Nehemiah is the Tirshatha. Ezra was one of the chief priests that was teaching the Levites. According to the scripture, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethia, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah instructed the people in the Law while they were standing there and were also helping this group to grasp the word of the Law of God with clear distinction.
Ezra said to them, "This day is sacred unto the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Ezra then told them to go and enjoy choice food, sweet drinks, and to share with those who weren't prepared for the celebration.
Nehemiah and Ezra said to the Levites, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
The entire Holy Bible contains living words in both the Old and New Testament scriptures. We've all heard the term, soul searching. You may find yours sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Please don't wander too far off on life's highway in order to find your soul because soul is only a heartbeat away. There is a distinct possibility of discovering your spirit with fantastic enthusiasm within your local Church. Beyond that, wisdom is the nourishment that your soul thrives on.
Bible Gateway
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:28-30
“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 24:13-14
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