The usual Heb. word nepes occurs 755 times in the OT. As is clear from Gen. 2:7, the primary meaning is ‘possessing life’. Thus, it is frequently used of animals (Gen. 1:20,24,30;9:12,15-16; Ezek. 47:9). In many cases it stands for the life-principle. This sense is common in the book of Psalms. There are also numerous occurrences with a psychical reference that cover various states of consciousness:
(a) nepes is the seat of physical appetite (Num. 21:5;Dt.12:15,20-21,23-24; Job. 33:20; Psalms. 78:18;107:18; Eccles. 2:24; Micah. 7:1);
(b) nepes is the source of emotion (Job 30:25; Psalms. 86:4;107:26; Isaiah 1:14)
(c) nepes is associated with the will and moral action (Gen. 49:6; Dt. 4:29; Job 7:15; Psalms 24:4; 25:1;119:129,167).
(d) In addition there are passages where nepes designates an individual or person (e.g. Lev. 7:21; 17:12; Ezek. 18:4) or is employed with a pronominal suffix to denote ‘self’ (e.g. Judges 16:16; Psalms 120:6; Ezek. 4:14).
Nephesh [Nepes] SOUL
LOGIN