ψυχήpsychḗ

breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151 (πνεῦμα), which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222 (ζωή), which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew H05315, H07307 and H02416)

Greek (New Testament) · G5590

Meanings

1. breath (Lat. anima), breath of life, life: Matthew 6:25, Mark 3:4, Mark 10:45, Luke 12:22, John 10:11, Acts 20:10, Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Philippians 2:30, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, and elsewhere

2. the soul

(a) as the seat of the will, desires and affections: Matthew 26:38, Mark 12:30 (LXX) Mark 14:34, Luke 1:46, John 10:24, Acts 14:2, Philippians 1:27, and elsewhere; ἐκ ψυχῆς, from the heart, heartily: Ephesians 6:6, Colossians 3:23

(b) as a periphrasis for person or self: Matthew 11:29, Mark 8:36, Acts 2:41, Romans 2:9, 1 Peter 3:20, and elsewhere; πᾶσα ψ., Acts 2:43, Acts 3:23 (LXX), Romans 13:1; ψ. ζῶσα (ζωῆς), 1 Corinthians 15:45, Revelation 16:3

(c) as the object of divine grace and eternal salvation: Hebrews 13:17, James 1:21, James 5:20, 1 Peter 1:9, 22, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Peter 4:19, 3 John 1:2.

Synonyms

see νοῦς, πνεῦμα, ψυχικός, and cf. ICC on 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Lft., Notes, 88 f.

Same root

Where it appears

Appears 103 times in the Bible.

  • Matthew 2:20 “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”
  • Matthew 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
  • Matthew 10:28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Matthew 10:39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
  • Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
  • Matthew 12:18 “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
See every passage

Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.