Commentaries:
This spirit is not the man—it is something that is in the man. Joined with the physical brain of the man, it forms human mind. It imparts to man's brain his unique powers of intellect and personality—the ability to think rationally and make free will decisions. It imparts the ability to learn mathematics, languages, or any type of philosophical knowledge.
But that is all! The spirit that is in man has no consciousness of itself. It is not an "immortal soul." This spirit is not the "man."
Because of this spiritual element, the Bible often uses the word "spirit" simply to mean man's mind, intelligence, attitude. To distinguish this kind of spirit in man and the kind of spirit that is God's Holy Spirit from mere physical breath, the book of Job continues in context to use two separate Hebrew words—ruach for spirit, neshamah for breath (Job 33:4; 34:14).
Just What Is Man?
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Genesis 2:7
Matthew 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 2:4-5
1 Corinthians 10:3-4
Ephesians 2:2-3
Revelation 20:10
Library resources that contain this verse:
E-mail this page
