In his inspired letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul shows that Christian teaching about the soul did not differ from what is set forth in Genesis. He quoted Genesis 2:7 in saying: “It is even so written: ‘The first man Adam became a living soul.’” (1 Cor. 15:45) Since Paul used the Greek word for soul, psy·kheʹ, this proves that, like the Hebrew word neʹphesh, psy·kheʹ can designate man himself.

As the original-language words for “soul” (neʹphesh and psy·kheʹ) can refer to man himself, we should expect to find the normal physical functions or characteristics of humans attributed to it. Is this the case? Is your soul really you? Consider:

A study of the Bible’s use of these Hebrew and Greek words reveals that a human soul is born. (Gen. 46:18) It can eat or fast. (Lev. 7:20; Ps. 35:13) It can be joyful or sorrowful. (Ps. 35:9; Matt. 26:38) It can fall in love. (Gen. 34:3) It can bless others. (Gen. 27:4) It can listen. (Acts 3:23) The soul can sin, swear, crave things and give way to fear. (Lev. 4:2; 5:4; Deut. 12:20; Acts 2:43) It can be kidnapped and put in irons. (Deut. 24:7; Ps. 105:18) Are not all these things that you can do or that can be done to you? Yes, your soul is you.