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Hebrews 4:12 – Dividing Asunder of Soul and Spirit – Part 1

[Study Aired August 13, 2024]

In this study, we will explore the biblical concepts of soul and spirit, examining their nature, relationship, and the intriguing idea of their division as mentioned in Hebrews 4:12. Our approach will be rooted firmly in Scripture, allowing God’s Word to illuminate itself as we compare spiritual things with spiritual.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-2)

To begin our exploration, let’s consider the original Hebrew and Greek words for soul and spirit:

Soul:

Hebrew: (nephesh) – Strong’s H5315: From H5314; properly a breathing creature, that is, animal or (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)

Greek: (psychē) – From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]

Spirit:

Hebrew: (ruach) – Strong’s H7307: From H7306; wind; by resemblance breath, that is, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)

Greek: (pneuma) – Strong’s G4151: From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the holy spirit

These definitions provide a foundation for understanding the biblical usage of these terms. As we proceed, we’ll examine key verses to deepen our understanding of soul and spirit.

I. The Nature of the Soul

A. Creation and Origin of the Soul

Let’s begin with the creation account in Genesis:

“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 soul. (Hebrew: nephesh)” (Genesis 2:7)

This verse reveals that the soul emerges from the combination of the physical body (“the dust of the ground”) and God’s breath of life. The living soul, therefore, represents the whole living person – a union of the natural and God’s breath (spirit). We must keep in mind that the physical is a type and shadow of the spirit. In this case the physical body represents the carnal mind.

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

B. The Soul’s Mortality

Scripture indicates that the soul is subject to death:

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)

These verses establish God’s ownership of all souls and introduces the concept of the soul’s mortality as a consequence of sin. This idea is reinforced in the New Testament:

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Here, we see that while men cannot kill the soul, God has the power to destroy both soul and body.

C. The Soul’s Individuality and the Old Man vs. New Man Dynamic

The Bible presents souls as individually distinct while also revealing a profound transformation process in believers. This is evident in Ezekiel 18:20:

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” (Ezekiel 18:20)

This verse can be understood in light of the New Testament concept of the old man versus the new man. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” relates to the old man, our sinful nature inherited from Adam. This nature is prone to sin and is spiritually dead. “The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him” can be seen as referring to the new man, the regenerated nature of a believer in Christ. This righteousness is not self-generated but imputed by the faith of Christ in us. “The wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” again refers to the old man, emphasizing the man of sin.

This interpretation is supported by New Testament teachings:

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Here, we see a clear distinction between the old man (corrupt, associated with sin) and the new man (righteous, created after God’s image). This parallels the contrast in Ezekiel between the soul that sins and the righteousness of the righteous.

The verse in Ezekiel, when viewed through the lens of New Testament teachings and the broader context of Scripture, reveals a complex interplay between God’s sovereignty and mankind’s experience. While it appears to emphasize individual accountability, we must consider this in light of God’s ultimate control and foreknowledge.

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:11-12)

This verse indicates that we will indeed give an account to God. However, this account is not about personal responsibility in the sense of autonomous choice, but rather a recognition of God’s work in and through us.

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)

This verse underscores God’s sovereignty over all things, including what we perceive as good and evil. In this light, the transformation process – the putting off of the old man and putting on of the new man – is entirely God’s work.

Therefore, the division of soul and spirit mentioned in Hebrews 4:12 is to be understood not as a process we actively perform, but as God’s discerning and separating work within us. It’s a divine operation that distinguishes between the old nature and the new nature in Christ, both of which are under God’s sovereign control.

This understanding provides a profound context for the soul’s nature, showing it as the object of God’s transformative work through Christ. While we give an account, we recognize that every aspect of our being and doing is ultimately authored by God. The apparent paradox between giving an account and not being ultimately responsible is resolved in the mystery of God’s sovereignty and His purposes for creation which is to glorify and pleasure Himself.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalms 139:16)

“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:7)

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

II. The Nature of the Spirit

A. Divine Origin of the Spirit

The spirit, like the soul, is portrayed as God-given:

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” (Isaiah 42:5)

This verse presents the spirit as a divine gift, intrinsically linked to man’s life and consciousness.

B. The Spirit’s Role in Understanding and Discernment

Scripture associates the spirit with understanding and insight:

“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:8)

The spirit is also described as an internal searching or discerning element:

“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27, KJV)

C. The Spirit’s Return to God

Unlike the soul, which is described as dying, the spirit is said to return to God:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

This suggests a fundamental difference in the nature of soul and spirit, with the spirit having an enduring quality that transcends physical death.

III. The Role of the Heart

In biblical usage, the heart often represents the core of a person’s being, encompassing aspects of both soul and spirit.

A. The Heart as the Seat of Emotions and Will

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

The “issues of life” in Proverbs 4:23 refers to the core matters or outcomes of one’s life that flow from the heart. In biblical usage, the “heart” often represents the center of a person’s thoughts, feelings, will, and character. Therefore, this verse emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s inner self, as it determines the course and quality of one’s life.

To better understand this concept, let’s look at other relevant verses:

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15:18-19)

This verse shows how the heart influences our actions and words.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45)

This reinforces the idea that our heart condition determines our outward behavior and shows us that the heart is both positive and negative spiritually speaking.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” (Proverbs 23:7)

This verse directly links our inner thoughts to our character.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

This passage lists various “issues of life” that originate in the heart. Men only have corrupt hearts.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

This verse highlights the importance of the heart in determining one’s ways and the consequences thereof.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

This verse shows how guarding the heart leads to peace. It is only through Christ Jesus that our hearts will be changed.

These verses collectively illustrate that the “issues of life” include our thoughts, actions, words, character, and overall spiritual condition. They emphasize that what’s in our heart profoundly affects every aspect of our life, underscoring the wisdom in Proverbs 4:23 to diligently guard our heart.

B. The Heart in Relation to Soul and Spirit

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Here, the heart is mentioned alongside soul and spirit, indicating its significance in the spiritual realm. As we saw above the “intents of the heart” of men (old man within) are evil and the “intents of the heart” of the new man (inner new man) within produces righteousness.

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 2