Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Soul”
The biblical word “Soul” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (nephesh (Hebrew), psyche (Greek)), where it meant “Living breath, life force, immaterial self; the seat of emotions and will”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The immaterial part of a person; the seat of emotions and moral nature”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greeknephesh (Hebrew), psyche (Greek)Living breath, life force, immaterial self; the seat of emotions and will
Hebrew nephesh (H5315) means 'soul, life, breath, self'; also appetite, emotion. Greek psyche (G5590) means 'soul, life, breath'. Not dualistic in OT; living being = body+soul.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinanimaImmaterial spirit animating the body; the part of human nature that survives death
Latin anima (breath, soul, spirit). Church developed soul-body dualism influenced by Platonic philosophy. Soul as immortal, the seat of conscience and will.
Modern English
EnglishsoulThe immaterial part of a person; the seat of emotions and moral nature
From Old English sawl (Old Saxon seola). Entered c.725. Retains theological meaning (immortal spirit) and poetic meaning (emotional/moral essence of a person or place).