The podcast explores the biblical perspective on the concept of 'nephesh' and challenges the traditional understanding of an eternal, non-physical existence. It delves into the multifaceted meaning of 'nephesh' in the Old Testament, including its use to refer to people, physical desires, and animals. The hosts discuss how the physical desires of hunger and sex have been spiritualized in the context of the Bible. They also explore the different translations of 'nephesh' in various Bible versions and its complexity as a Hebrew word.
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insights INSIGHT
Resurrection vs. Disembodied Afterlife
The Bible is often misinterpreted as promoting a disembodied afterlife.
Instead, it emphasizes resurrection and embodied existence in a new creation.
insights INSIGHT
Meaning of Nephesh
The Hebrew word "nephesh" is often mistranslated as "soul" in the Bible.
It actually represents the whole living being, encompassing the body and its physical existence.
insights INSIGHT
Physical Desires as Good
Even physical desires, such as hunger and sexual desire, are viewed as good in the Bible.
The Hebrew word "nephesh" is used in the Song of Solomon to express these physical longings.
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According to the Bible, we don’t have souls, we are souls. And people will live forever not in a disembodied existence as a soul, but in an embodied existence. So what do we do with physical/body desires like hunger and sex?
In part 1 (0-9:00) Tim outlines some other uses of the word "nephesh" in the Old Testament including translating the word as “person” or “people” and calling kidnappers and murderers “nephesh thief” and “nephesh slayer.”
In part 2 (9:00-17:25) the guys discuss the uses of “nephesh” when referring to the human physical desires for food or water (like in Psalm 42) and sex. In Song of Solomon, the erotic love poetry book in the Old Testament, in the original Hebrew, the writer expresses physical desire for their lover using the word “nephesh.” Tim and Jon discuss why we’ve spiritualized the physical sexual desires of people.
In the third part (17:25-end) of the episode, Tim explains that animals and immigrants are described as “nephesh” in the Bible and the “righteous” people are called to respect their “nephesh.” Tim outlines Psalm 35 and explains that the author uses the word “nephesh” in seven different ways in this Psalm. Tim says it’s a great example of the diversity and depth of the word.
You can view our video on the word Nephesh here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_igCcWAMAM&index=5&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeclOdfwWBawnNT5ZkGFHxBf
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Produced by:
Jon Collins and Dan Gummel
Show Music:
Defender Instrumental- Rosasharn Music
The Darkest Night - Alert 312
Pop Romantic - The Bluest Star
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