Word Study: Nephesh “Soul”

We explore the Hebrew word “nephesh” that often gets translated as “soul,” in this penultimate installment of the Shema word study series. While the English word should usually refer to a non-material essence of a human that survives after death, nephesh means something different. It is referring to humans as living, breathing, physical beings, or just to life itself. Prepare to be surprised at the biblical meaning of this fascinating word!