Soul

SOUL. Gen 2:7. The Scriptures evidently distinguish between the soul and the spirit. 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 4:12. The word which we call "soul" is used to denote mere animal life - the seat of sensations, appetites, and passions. Gen 1:20. Here the word translated "life" is the same with that which is elsewhere translated "soul." Hence it may be inferred that, as we have our bodies and animal life in common with brutes, it must be the spirit which was created in the likeness or image of God, and which raises man above the brutes that perish and makes him a rational and accountable being. Very often, however, the word "soul" is used in a wider sense, and designates the whole immaterial or spiritual nature of man; as when we say that man consists of body and soul. The immortality of the soul is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, which brought life and immortality to light; so what the ancients hoped or guessed we know. Even among the Jews the truth was only partially revealed. Much more is said about the grave than of the life beyond, and the prevailing tone, in view of death, is one of great sadness. In Christ, however, we are made alive, and can never die. To the Christian, death is robbed of its sting; it is converted into a friend who ushers the soul into the company of the blessed. It is the immortal soul which is the subject of future reward or punishment.

SOUL. Gen 2:7. The Scriptures evidently distinguish between the soul and the spirit. 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 4:12. The word which we call "soul" is used to denote mere animal life - the seat of sensations, appetites, and passions. Gen 1:20. Here the word translated "life" is the same with that which is elsewhere translated "soul." Hence it may be inferred that, as we have our bodies and animal life in common with brutes, it must be the spirit which was created in the likeness or image of God, and which raises man above the brutes that perish and makes him a rational and accountable being. Very often, however, the word "soul" is used in a wider sense, and designates the whole immaterial or spiritual nature of man; as when we say that man consists of body and soul. The immortality of the soul is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, which brought life and immortality to light; so what the ancients hoped or guessed we know. Even among the Jews the truth was only partially revealed. Much more is said about the grave than of the life beyond, and the prevailing tone, in view of death, is one of great sadness. In Christ, however, we are made alive, and can never die. To the Christian, death is robbed of its sting; it is converted into a friend who ushers the soul into the company of the blessed. It is the immortal soul which is the subject of future reward or punishment.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The spiritual, rational, and immortal part in man; that part of man which enables him to think, and which renders him a subject of moral government; -- sometimes, in distinction from the higher nature, or spirit, of man, the so-called animal soul, that is, the seat of life, the sensitive affections and phantasy, exclusive of the voluntary and rational powers; -- sometimes, in distinction from the mind, the moral and emotional part of man's nature, the seat of feeling, in distinction from intellect; -- sometimes, the intellect only; the understanding; the seat of knowledge, as distinguished from feeling. In a more general sense, "an animating, separable, surviving entity, the vehicle of individual personal existence." Tylor. The eyes of our souls only then begin to see, when our bodily eyes are closing. Law.

2. The seat of real life or vitality; the source of action; the animating or essential part. "The hidden soul of harmony." Milton. Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul. Milton.

3. The leader; the inspirer; the moving spirit; the heart; as, the soul of an enterprise; an able gemeral is the soul of his army. He is the very soul of bounty! Shak.

4. Energy; courage; spirit; fervor; affection, or any other noble manifestation of the heart or moral nature; inherent power or goodness. That he wants algebra he must confess; But not a soul to give our arms success. Young.

5. A human being; a person; -- a familiar appellation, usually with a qualifying epithet; as, poor soul. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Prov. xxv. 25. God forbid so many simple souls Should perish by the aword! Shak. Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul). Cowper.

6. A pure or disembodied spirit. That to his only Son . . . every soul in heaven Shall bend the knee. Milton.

Synonyms: Spirit; life; courage; fire; ardor. Cure of souls. See Cure, n., 2. Soul bell, the passing bell. Bp. Hall. Soul foot. See Soul scot, below. [Obs.] -- Soul scot or Soul shot. Etym: [Soul + scot, or shot; cf. AS. sawelsceat.] (O. Eccl. Law) A funeral duty paid in former times for a requiem for the soul. Ayliffe.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To afford suitable sustenance. [Obs.] Warner.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To indue with a soul; to furnish with a soul or mind. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Sole. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Sole. [Obs.] Chaucer.