Introduction
In the previous article (Note [1]) we looked as what the New Testament really tells us about the Holy Spirit. In this article we will look at other verses where the Greek word “pneuma” (meaning wind, breath, spirit / Spirit (Holy Spirit)) is used and is translated to mean something other than the Holy Spirit in three further categories:
Human spirit (generally meaning breath or life).
Heavenly spirits.
Demonic sprits.
Almost since the earliest Christian times, there have been discussions about the nature of man and whether he comprises three things: body, soul, and spirit (the Tripartite view (Trichotomy) - Note [2]) or two things: physical (body) and non-physical (soul / spirit) (Bipartite view - Note [3]).
To complicate this even more, there are a number of terms used in the New Testament which can refer to the things that help to describe us as thinking, living, breathing humans. Unfortunately in their translation into English from Greek there are some overlaps of meaning which can lead to difficulties for interpretation. In the context of the human spirit there are two words that have overlapping meaning:
Pneuma (Strong’s Greek 4151) translated as wind, breath, ghost, and spirit / Spirit. It occurs 383 times in the New Testament and is the basis of our word pneumatic.
Psuche (Strong’s Greek 5590) can be translated as: the vital breath, breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, the self, the human person, and individual. It occurs 104 times in the New Testament and is where we get the word psychology from.
Other words that describe the nature of humanity include:
Sarx (Strong’s Greek 4561) which can be translated as: flesh, body, human nature, materiality, kindred. It appears 149 times in the New Testament and can generally refer to unaided human effort.
Soma (Strong’s Greek 4983) which can be translated as: body (the physical body), flesh, the body of the church. It appears 142 times in the New Testament.
Dianoia (Strong’s Greek 1271) which can be translated as: understanding, intellect, mind, insight, imagination, thought. It only occurs 12 times in the New Testament.
Kardia (Strong’s Greek 2588) which can be translated as: heart, mind, character, inner self, will, intention, centre. It occurs 158 times in the New Testament and is the basis for our word cardiac.
Bios (Strong’s Greek 979) which can be translated as: life, manner of life, livelihood. It occurs 10 times in the New Testament and is the basis of our word biology.
Zoe (Strong’s Greek 2222) which can be translated as: life, physical (present) and spiritual (particularly future) existence. It appears 135 times in the New Testament.
Here we will try to focus on the use of the words:
pneuma (spirit) and the related word pneumatikos (spiritual)
psuche (soul / life) and the linked word psuchikos (natural, of the soul or mind)
and how these might be grouped into topic areas, depending upon how they have been translated in the biblical context.
1A Human spirit (Derived from the word ‘pneuma’)
1A.1 The human spirit described as part of the Christian life
Some of the references to ‘spirit’ link closely with living in our earthly bodies in conjunction with our (human) spirits.
1 Corinthians 6:20 - For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (King James Version (KJV)) (Note [4]).
1 Corinthians 7:24 - and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit.
[See also 1 Corinthians 14:15, 2 Corinthians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 7:1, James 2:26, James 4:5.]
1A.2 The human spirit and its ‘connection’ with God
Other references refer to a close relationship between the Lord and our own (human) spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:45 - So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:17 - But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
[See also Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Timothy 4:22, Philemon 1:25, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 12:9, Revelation 22:6 (consider looking at the NASB or the HCSB versions).]
1A.3 The human spirit in terms of our breath (life), thoughts, or wellbeing
The New Testament also refers to our human spirit in the context its energy or wellbeing.
Matthew 27:50 - When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:11 - For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Duplicate
1 Corinthians 14:32 - The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
[See also 1 Corinthians 14:32, 1 Corinthians 16:18, 2 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 7:13.]
1A.4 The human spirit and it’s relative strength, weakness, or attitude
Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 26:41 - “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
[See also Luke 1:17, Luke 1:80, Luke 9:55 (see the KJV), Romans 11:8, Romans 12:11, 1 Corinthians 4:21, 1 Peter 3:4.]
1A.5 The application of spiritual discipline to the man accused of incest in Corinth
Paul specifically orders that the congregation in Corinth remove a sinner from the fellowship as keeping him within it risks spreading of tolerance of that kind of immorality throughout the community (verses 1 to 8).
1 Corinthians 5:5 - hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
1A.6 The alignment of Paul’s heart with that of his letter’s recipients.
In these references, Paul is understood to be demonstrating that his attitude and sentiments are aligned with the faithful servants in the Corinthian fellowship as their leadership exercised discipline.
1 Corinthians 5:3 - For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.
1 Corinthians 5:4 - So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,
1A.7 References to the good news shared with the spirits of the dead
There is explicit reference to those who have died being giving the opportunity to hear the gospel
1 Peter 3:19 - After being made alive, he [i.e. Christ] went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits
1 Peter 4:6 - For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
1B Human Life / Soul (Derived from the Greek word ‘psuche’)
As already indicated, the word ‘psuche’ has some overlap in meaning with ‘pneuma’. Here we can see a slight difference in emphasis with references to life (compared to death) and to the soul - the base of our affections and will as humans.
1B.1 References to human (or animal) life versus death
There are a number of New Testament verses that talk about the physical life that people live (before we die).
Matthew 2:20 - and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
Matthew 6:25 - “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
[See also Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:25, Matthew 20:28, Mark 3:4, Mark 8:35, Mark 10:45, Luke 6:9, Luke 9:24, Luke 9:56 (see the KJV), Luke 12:20, Luke 12:22, Luke 12:23, Luke 14:26, Luke 17:33, John 10:11, John 10:15, John 10:17, John 13:37, John 13:38, John 15:13, Acts 7:14 (see the KJV), Acts 15:26, Acts 20:10 (see the KJV), Acts 20:24, Acts 27:10, Acts 27:22 (see the KJV), Acts 27:37, Romans 11:3 (see the KJV), Romans 16:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Peter 3:20 (See the KJV), 1 John 3:16, Revelation 8:9 (See the KJV), Revelation 12:11, Revelation 16:3.]
1B.2 Translations that render ‘psuche’ in terms of God’s soul
Perhaps surprisingly there are two explicit references where the King James Version (and some other versions) translate ‘psuche’ as God’s soul.
Matthew 12:18 - Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles (KJV).
Hebrews 10:38 - Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (KJV).
1B.3 Clear references to the human soul
The human soul is described in a wide range of verses. However, the NIV does not always translate this as faithfully to the Greek as the KJV.
Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 12:18 - Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles (KJV).
[See also Matthew 22:37, Matthew 26:38, Mark 12:30, Mark 14:34, Luke 1:46, Luke 2:35, Luke 10:27, Luke 12:19 (See the KJV), John 12:27, Acts 2:41 (See the KJV), Acts 2:43 (See the KJV), Acts 14:22 (See the KJV), Romans 2:9 (See the KJV), Romans 13:1 (See the KJV), 1 Corinthians 15:45 (See the KJV), 2 Corinthians 1:23 (See the KJV), 2 Corinthians 12:15 (See the KJV), 2 Corinthians 12:15, Hebrews 13:17 (See the KJV), 1 Peter 1:22 (See the KJV), 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Peter 2:25, 3 John 1:2, Revelation 18:13 (See the KJV), Revelation 18:14 (See the KJV).]
1B.4 There is one verse that is translated as a sense of suspense or doubt
John 10:24 - The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
1B.5 Descriptions that focus on the human soul in relation to eternal life
‘Psuche' is also referred to in the context of the soul, particularly in relation to our eternal future.
Matthew 10:28 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mark 8:36 - What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
[See also Mark 8:37, Luke 21:19 (See the KJV), Acts 2:27 (See the KJV), Acts 3:23 (See the KJV), 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 10:39 (See the KJV), James 1:21 (See the KJV), James 5:20 (See the KJV), 1 Peter 1:9, 1 Peter 4:19 (See the KJV), Revelation 6:9, Revelation 20:4.]
1B.6 References to the human mind or heart
Finally, ‘psuche’ is also translated in relation to our hearts and minds.
Acts 4:32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common (KJV).
Acts 14:2 - But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
[See also Acts 15:24, Ephesians 6:6, Philippians 1:27 (See the KJV), Colossians 3:23, Hebrews 12:3, 2 Peter 2:8, 2 Peter 2:14 (See the KJV).]
1C Humans without the Holy Spirit (Derived from the Greek word ‘psuchikos’)
We can also consider the word “psuchikos’ (Strong’s Greek 5591 - translated as: natural, of the soul or mind) which is related to the word psuche discussed above. There are only 6 instances of this word in the New Testament and two of them specifically teach about those without the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:14 - The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The KJV gives a different perspective from the NIV as follows: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Jude 1:19 - These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
[The other references for completeness are: 1 Corinthians 15:44 (appears twice), 1 Corinthians 15:46 and James 3:15]. See also James 2:26 (referred to in 1.A1 above) where the word psuche (spirit) is used.
2 References where ‘pneuma’ means heavenly spirits
The word pneuma is referred to in the context of heavenly spirits in only 5 cases.
2.1 In relation to angels
Hebrews 1:14 - Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
2.2 In terms of the seven spirits before the throne of God in heaven
Revelation 1:4 - John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,
Revelation 3:1 - "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
[See also Revelation 4:5 and Revelation 5:6.]
3 References where ‘pneuma’ refers to demonic spirits
There are a number of references to unclean and demonic spirits and we can learn a little about them by understanding the context for the translation.
3.1 Discerning about sprits (their source)
A small number of verses talk about the discerning of the source of spiritual things.
1 Corinthians 12:10 - to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. Duplicate
2 Corinthians 11:4 - For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
[See also 1 John 4:1 and 1 John 4:3.]
3.2 Some references describe encounters with the demon possessed
A number of verses also give accounts of when Jesus, or the Apostles, came into contact with people who were possessed by evil spirits.
Mark 5:2 - As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs.
Mark 1:23 - Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue:
[See also Mark 9:17, Mark 9:25, Luke 4:33, Acts 5:16.]
In addition the combination of the Greek words pneuma and puthón (Strong’s Greek 4151 & 4436) gives us a single reference to a spirit of divination:
Acts 16:16 - Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling (see also the KJV translation).
3.3 Jesus and the Apostles drive out evil spirits
There are a number of occasions where Jesus, and the Apostles, are recorded as driving out evil sprits.
Matthew 8:16 - When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
Matthew 10:1 - And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.
[See also Matthew 12:28, Mark 1:27, Mark 5:8, Mark 5:13, Mark 6:7, Mark 7:25, Luke 6:18, Luke 7:21, Luke 8:2, Luke 8:29, Luke 9:42, Luke 10:20, Acts 8:7, Acts 16:18, Acts 19:12.]
3.4 The Bible also teaches about spiritual warfare
Jesus gives some specific teaching about evil sprits and how they can behave. Later, Paul provides warnings about potential deception and John records the prophecy about Babylon in the book of Revelation.
Matthew 12:43 - When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
Matthew 12:45 - “Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.”
[See also Luke 11:24, Luke 11:26, Acts 19:13, Ephesians 2:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:2 (see the KJV), Revelation 18:2.]
Also, the word pneumatikos (meaning spiritual - Strong’s Greek 4152) gives us the following teaching about the battle that Christians face:
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
3.5 Some references to pneuma describe demonic behaviour or actions
These references set out the action and reactions of evil spirits when they were confronted by Jesus or the Apostles.
Mark 1:26 - At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek.
Mark 3:11 - And when the unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God!”
[See also Mark 9:20, Luke 9:39, Luke 13:11, Acts 19:15, Acts 19:16, Revelation 16:13.]
3.6 The Bible also describes the reactions of others to what they have seen
The final topic area for the word ‘pneuma’ describes the reaction of those to what they had seen Jesus do.
Luke 4:36 - All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Summary
Between this and the previous article (Note [1]) we have collectively looked at the use of the word ‘pneuma’ and how it is translated in terms of: the Holy Spirit, the human spirit, heavenly spirits, and demonic spirits.
In addition, we have also looked at how those different uses of the word can be categorised in terms of themes, or topics, to help us understand the role of the Holy Spirit and some features and characteristics that describe the human spirit and spiritual forces.
It may be that you think that some of these groupings have been wrongly labelled, or that a different arrangement would be more representative of the various verses considered? Ultimately there is unlikely to be an exact answer but hopefully this work has prompted you to think more deeply about this.
Notes:
[1] - The previous article on the Holy Spirit can be located at: https://www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/2021/5/23/what-does-the-new-testament-really-tell-us-about-the-holy-spirit
[2] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripartite_(theology)
[3] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipartite_(theology)
[4] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
Some Bible references listed suggest looking at the NASB or the KJV. This is because the relevant Greek word being considered is more faithfully represented in those translations compared with the NIV. Naturally, other translations can render these words faithfully too.
Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version of the Bible to get a more rounded view, and also look at the wider context for each verse too.