The Breath of Life: Reclaiming 'Soul' in Shema

We’ve all recited it, perhaps countless times: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The familiar cadence masks a depth most Latter-day Saints are unaware of—a depth uncovered in the meticulous work of BibleProject, as demonstrated in their recent exploration of the Hebrew word 'nefesh.'

For millennia, Jewish tradition has approached this commandment through a lens shaped, in significant ways, by Greek philosophical thought: the notion of a disembodied 'soul' trapped within the flesh, destined for liberation at death. This concept, however, is alien to the biblical understanding of 'nefesh.' The video below unpacks this crucial distinction, revealing the true meaning woven into the fabric of the Old Testament.

The transcript makes clear that 'nefesh' doesn't refer to some ethereal entity. Instead, it signifies the throat – the gateway of life, the very mechanism through which we sustain our physical existence. Remember the Israelites’ lament in the wilderness: “Remember the fish, and the cucumbers, and the melons, and the milk, and the onions, and the garlic?” (Numbers 11:5). Their 'nefesh' was drying up, referring to their physical hunger and thirst. It’s the same 'nefesh' that was shackled in Joseph’s case (Genesis 40:16). It encompasses the totality of a person—33 'nefesh' representing 33 individuals (Genesis 46:27). It even describes both the murderer and the thief as robbers of 'nefesh,' emphasizing the sanctity of life itself.

This redefinition fundamentally alters our understanding of the commandment to love God with all our 'nefesh.' It's not a pledge of devotion from a detached soul; it's a commitment of our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—to the Lord. Psalm 119, where the poet cries, “Let my nefesh live, that I may praise thee” (Psalm 119:175), beautifully illustrates this point. The poet isn't pleading for the survival of an immaterial soul; he’s yearning for the vitality of his entire existence to be devoted to praising God.

The implications for Latter-day Saints are profound. We understand the importance of covenant keeping, of living worthy of the blessings of the temple, and of striving to become more like our Savior. But how often do we truly consider the physical manifestation of that devotion? How often do we recognize that our bodies, these magnificent creations given to us, are instruments of praise and service?

The Restoration echoes this biblical understanding. The temple ordinances, the partaking of the sacrament, the very act of raising families—all involve the physical and the spiritual in a powerful, unified way. The covenants we make are not just agreements of the mind; they are commitments that permeate our entire being. As we strive to keep those covenants, may we remember the true meaning of 'nefesh'—to offer our whole selves, our entire existence, in love and service to God.

Consider this: how can you more consciously offer your entire being—your physical body, your mental faculties, your emotional capacity—in service to the Lord?

Let us delve deeper into the nuances of the Hebrew language, seeking to unlock the profound truths embedded within the scriptures. Submit your insights, your analyses, your testimonies. Let us build each other up in knowledge and in testimony.