The Difference Between pneuma and psychē
pneuma (G4151) means "ghost" and psychē (G5590) means "heart" — both Greek words in the Bible, but they carry distinct meanings. Knowing which word the original author chose, and where each appears, reveals the precise shade of meaning that can get lost in translation.
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πνεῦμα vs ψυχή
pneuma and psychē
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See how pneuma (πνεῦμα) and psychē (ψυχή) compare → https://lemmalink.com/compare/G4151/G5590
πνεῦμα
a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, th
G4151
Exegetical Meaning
a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit | Etymology: from G4154 (πνέω); | KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind
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Context Themes
- The Holy Spirit's Active Presence
ψυχή
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 vita
G5590
Exegetical Meaning
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) | Etymology: from G5594 (ψύχω); | KJV: heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you
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