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NASB | 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 2:15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. |
Subject: do animals have souls? |
Bible Note: Hello truth, The term "soul" is translated by the Greek word psuche and the Hebrew nephesh. In the OT the soul signifies that which is vital to humans in the broadest sense. The Hebrew and Greek words for soul often can be translated as “life”. In this sense it is frequently used of animals (Gen. 1:20, 24, 30; 9:12, 15-16, Lev 11:10, Ezk. 47:9). The description of man’s creation in Genesis 2:7, the phrase “a living soul” (KJV) may be better translated as “a living being”, or "possessing life". The thought is not that men and women became souls, for clearly they had bodies. The use of the word in the original draws attention to the vital aspect of humans as “living beings". This in no way implies or says anything about animals having a soul! In the NT the word for soul (psuche) has a range of meanings similar to that in the OT. Often it is synonymous with life itself. Followers of Jesus are said to have risked their lives (souls) for his sake (Acts 15:26; cf. Jn 13:37; Rom 16:4; Phil 2:30). As the Son of Man, Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give his life (soul) as a ransom for many (Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45). As the Good Shepherd, he lays down his life (soul) for the sheep (Jn 10:14, 17–18). In Luke 14:26 the condition of discipleship is to hate one’s soul, that is, to be willing to deny oneself to the point of losing one’s life for Christ’s sake (cf. Lk 9:23; Rv 12:11). Scripture doesn't actually say or teach that animals have souls! This is yet another example of numerous erroneous (false) teachings of the Watchtower Organization! Nowehere is either the OT or NT term applied directly to animals. Think about that. Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |