Strong’s H5315

נֶפֶשׁ

Part of speech

Noun Feminine

Transliteration

nephesh

Pronunciation

neh'-fesh

Definition

Soul, life, self, person, heart, creature, mind, living being

Meaning

a breathing creature, animal of, vitality

Usage

The Hebrew word "nephesh" is a multifaceted term that appears frequently in the Old Testament. It is often translated as "soul" or "life," but its usage extends to denote the essence of a person, their inner being, or life force. It can refer to the physical life of a creature, the emotional and spiritual aspects of a person, or the entirety of a living being. In some contexts, "nephesh" is used to describe desires, appetites, and emotions, reflecting the holistic view of human nature in Hebrew thought.

Bible references

Genesis 1:20;Genesis 1:21;Genesis 1:24;Genesis 1:30;Genesis 2:7;Genesis 2:19;Genesis 9:4;Genesis 9:5;Genesis 9:5;Genesis 9:10;Genesis 9:12;Genesis 9:15;Genesis 9:16;Genesis 12:5;Genesis 12:13;Genesis 14:21;Genesis 17:14;Genesis 19:17;Genesis 19:19;Genesis 19:20;Genesis 23:8;Genesis 27:4;Genesis 27:19;Genesis 27:25;Genesis 27:31