Expert: Brent Wilson - 2/12/2007

Question
From the standpoint of the Bible, what is the difference between the "soul" and "spirit"?

Answer
Dear Ronald,

Thank you for your question.  It is a question that has divided Christians for many centuries and still divides us today.  However, all agree that man has both a material and an immaterial nature.  His material nature is his body; while his immaterial nature is his soul and spirit.  Thus the division.

Those that believe the soul and the spirit are one are called dichotomist; and those that believe the are separate are called trichotomists.



The Dichotomous Theory  [di-kot-uh-muh s]

This view holds that man consist of two parts material and immaterial.  Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.  .  Job 27:3  “life” and “spirit” are used interchangeable.  Gen. 41:8, Ps 42:6, Matt 27:50, John 12:27.  The only real distinction is there are a material part and an immaterial part.  When it comes to the consciousness - no one can discriminate between soul and spirit.  

The Trichotomous Theory  [tri-kot-uh-muh s]

This view holds that man consist of three parts:  body, soul, and spirit.  The body is the material part of our being; the soul is the principle of animal life, and the spirit is the principle of our rational life.  The Trichotomous view believes the Hebrew texts is in the plural form, Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; [lives]and man became a living being.  (also one can note that it doesn’t say that man became soul and spirit)

The apostle Paul seems to think body, soul and spirit as three distinct part of man’s nature. Hebrews 4:12 and I Thess. 5:23  Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

However, Mark 12:30 says And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  This is the first commandment.

Does this now mean we should think in a four fold manner?  No not really.  It tends to think in terms of man in a way of man’s immaterial nature is looked upon as one nature composed of two parts.

The best way to understand this is the body is made up of two parts material and immaterial.  The immaterial, the can be further divide into different levels – memory understanding and imagination on one level (soul) and reason, conscience and free will on a higher level. (Spirit)

I trust this helps

Brent