What Is the Human Soul?

The word "soul" is powerful and deeply significant, especially for Christians. It’s not just a religious term we hear in church or see in Scripture; it’s central to understanding who we are. From the Bible’s earliest chapters to Jesus’ teachings, the human soul is described as the core of our being.

But what exactly is the soul? Why does it matter so much?

The human soul is what sets us apart from everything else in creation. It’s the eternal, spiritual part of us that reflects God’s image. While our physical bodies are temporary, our souls live forever. This truth makes the soul more valuable than anything else we possess.

Understanding the soul isn’t just about theology or doctrine. It’s deeply personal and practical. Knowing what the soul is helps us live with purpose, connect with God more deeply, and face life’s struggles with hope.

In this article, we’ll dive into what the Bible says about the soul, why it’s so important, and how we can care for it. Let’s start by looking at what the soul is and why God gave it to us.

What Does the Bible Say About the Soul?

 

 

The Bible paints a rich picture of the soul, describing it as the very breath of life. In Genesis 2:7, we read about how God created the first human:

“Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living soul”

This verse shows us that the soul comes directly from God. It is His breath—His life—within us. Without the soul, the body is just dust. With the soul, we are living, feeling, thinking beings capable of connecting with God and others.

For a deeper exploration of Genesis and its spiritual significance, you can read more on this blog.

In many parts of Scripture, the soul is described as the seat of our emotions, thoughts, and spiritual life. For example:

• The Soul Thinks and Decides: Psalm 139:14 speaks of how God made our souls wonderfully. This reminds us that our souls are where our deepest reflections happen.
• The Soul Feels Deeply: In Psalm 42:1-2, David writes, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” The soul longs for God in ways that words can barely describe.
• The Soul Relates to God: Jesus emphasized the soul’s value in Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” This shows us that the soul is worth more than anything else in life.

 

 

The Bible makes it clear: the soul is eternal, priceless, and directly connected to God.

Why Is the Soul So Important?

The soul is important for many reasons, but two stand out.

1. The Soul Is Eternal: Our bodies age, break down, and eventually die. But the soul never dies. It will live forever, either with God in heaven or separated from Him. This eternal nature of the soul gives every moment of our lives great significance.

Jesus’ warning in Matthew 10:28 reminds us of this truth: “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.” Our souls are eternal, so we must care for them carefully.

2. The Soul Defines Who We Are: While our bodies are temporary “houses,” the soul is our true self. It’s where our deepest thoughts, emotions, and decisions come from. Even if our outward appearance changes, our soul remains the same.

David wrote in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.” This verse shows that God doesn’t just care for our physical needs—He lovingly heals and strengthens our souls, too.

How to Care for Your Soul

Just like our bodies need food, exercise, and rest, our souls need attention and care. Here are some ways to keep your soul healthy and strong:

1. Spend Time with God Every Day
Prayer, Bible reading, and worship are like nourishment for the soul. These practices draw us closer to God, allowing Him to speak to us and guide us. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Feeding our souls with God’s Word is essential for spiritual health.

For tools to help you grow spiritually, consider exploring the Bible Study Toolkit and the Bible Study Planner.

2. Rest in God’s Peace
Life is full of stress and challenges, but Jesus offers rest for our souls. In Matthew 11:29, He invites us, “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.” True peace comes when we trust Him and surrender our worries to Him.

 

 

3. Guard Your Heart and Mind
The soul is influenced by what we expose ourselves to. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Avoid things that harm your soul, like harmful media or toxic relationships, and fill your heart with God-honoring things.

For a resource to help you focus on righteousness and spiritual growth, check out The Breastplate of Righteousness 7-Day Devotional Journal.

4. Confess and Repent of Sin
Sin weighs down the soul and creates a barrier between us and God. Psalm 32:5 says, “I acknowledged my sin to you, and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Regularly confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness restores our souls and keeps our relationship with Him strong.

5. Fellowship with Other Believers
Spending time with other Christians encourages and strengthens our souls. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to meet together, support one another, and spur each other on toward love and good deeds.

Join our Bible Study Club to engage with others and grow in your faith.

The Soul and Eternity

Every soul will one day stand before God. Revelation 20:12 speaks of this moment, saying, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” This reality shows why the soul is so important. Our choices here on earth determine our eternal destiny. Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior ensures that our souls will spend eternity with Him in heaven. But eternity isn’t the only reason to care for your soul. A healthy soul also leads to a life of joy, purpose, and peace here and now. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A soul connected to God experiences the fullness of life, even in difficult times.
 

 

Conclusion

The human soul is a gift from God—an eternal, priceless treasure that defines who we are. It is the part of us that connects with Him, loves deeply, and lives forever.

In a world that often focuses on outward appearances and temporary pleasures, the Bible reminds us that the soul is what truly matters. Caring for your soul isn’t about following strict rules or rituals. It’s about building a relationship with God, finding peace in Him, and living according to His purpose.

Take a moment to reflect: How is your soul today? Are you feeding it with God’s Word, resting in His peace, and guarding it against harmful influences? Remember, nothing in this world is worth more than your soul.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26 offer a powerful reminder: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Let’s live with eternity in mind, caring for our souls and trusting God every step of the way.

If you're looking for ways to nurture your soul and grow spiritually, visit our Bible Study collection for guided studies, devotionals, and tools to deepen your walk with God. Explore the full store for additional resources to inspire and support your faith journey.