Evangelical Corruption of Meaning

Ruwach (Hebrew) = Breath/spirit

Nephesh (Hebrew) = Living/Breathing Creature

Psuche/psucho (Greek) = Breath or animal sentient principle

Pneuma (Greek) = Rational element of the Soul


The Hebrews had no conception of an immortal soul. And as the quote from Einstein below indicates, Judaism is not a 'transcendental' religion. When you die, you are gone -- though you may be 'kept alive' in the memories of others.

The Greeks, however, believed that the 'Pneuma' was eternal. But that only makes sense when you understand what 'Pneuma' actually means. To the degree that your brain operates RATIONALLY (follows the rules of logic), you have 'Pneuma'. And, obviously, reason/logic doesn't cease to exist when you do.

The 'Psuchikoi' are physically living (breathing), yet intellectually dead. They operate on 'gut' or 'emotions' only.

The 'Pneumatikoi' are not only physically living, but capable of intellectual pursuits.