Soul Unveiled: ψυχή (Strong’s G5590: psychē) – Life’s Deepest Essence

Strong’s G5590: From ψύχω (psychō); breath, the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing, by extension: the human soul, the seat of feelings, desires, and emotions. In NT usage, it often refers to the whole person, their inner life, or their eternal essence.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ψυχή (psychē) represents one of the most fundamental concepts in biblical and classical thought. It encompasses the essence of human consciousness, vitality, and personhood. In New Testament usage, it carries multiple layers of meaning – from basic physical life and breath to the immortal soul and the seat of personality. Early church fathers extensively discussed the relationship between ψυχή, πνεῦμα (spirit), and σῶμα (body), developing a rich theological anthropology. Today, this word remains central to understanding biblical views of human nature and has influenced fields from psychology to philosophy.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψυχή, psychē, /psy-khē/
• Detailed pronunciation: psü-khā’ (like ‘sue-kay’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ψύχω (psychō) – to breathe, to cool
• Suffix: -η (feminine noun ending)

D – Defining Meanings

• Life force/breath
• Soul/inner self
• Person/being
• Mind/consciousness

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• Soul – best captures the spiritual/eternal aspect
• Life – appropriate when referring to physical existence
• Person – useful when referring to the whole being

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πνεῦμα (pneuma) /pnyoo’-ma/ – spirit, differs in emphasizing the spiritual rather than animate nature. See G4151
• ζωή (zōē) /dzo-ay’/ – life, focuses more on the principle of life itself. See G2222

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (ψυχή), Plural (ψυχαί)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The word follows standard first declension patterns. For example:

• Nominative: ψυχή (the soul)
• Genitive: ψυχῆς (of the soul)
• Dative: ψυχῇ (to/for the soul)
• Accusative: ψυχήν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide a rich understanding of ψυχή. BDAG emphasizes its range from physical life to the seat of personality. Thayer’s highlights its connection to the breath as life-sustaining force. LSJ traces its development from Homer through classical literature. Vine’s emphasizes its distinction from πνεῦμα. Strong’s connects it to consciousness and vitality. LEH adds Septuagint usage patterns, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its common usage in personal letters addressing deep emotional states.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s [ψυχή] life are dead.”

Additional References:
Matthew 6:25, Matthew 10:39, Mark 8:35, Luke 12:19, John 12:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The concept of ψυχή in biblical usage bridges the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. It represents not just biological life, but the essence of personhood created in God’s image. Through Christ’s redemptive work, the ψυχή can be saved and transformed. This profound truth reminds us that Jesus came to save the whole person – body, soul, and spirit – offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “psychology” derives from ψυχή
2. Ancient Greeks pictured the ψυχή as a butterfly or breath escaping the body at death
3. The word appears 103 times in the New Testament

Strong’s G5590: From ψύχω (psychō); breath, the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing, by extension: the human soul, the seat of feelings, desires, and emotions. In NT usage, it often refers to the whole person, their inner life, or their eternal essence.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: soul, life, person, consciousness, humanity, immortality, salvation, biblical-anthropology, psychology, spirit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​