The Trichotomy of Man (part I)

[Bick]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

MY COMMENTS: I believe "trichotomy" means to be cut (tomy) thrice (tri). I would not describe God as a "trichotomy," but as a "Trinity."

Indeed, the Lord God made man in the "image of God", "after his likeness" (Gen. 1:26), and I believe this involves lot more than just the above three aspects:

Man has the shape (mage) of God; i.e., one head, two arms and legs, ten fingers and toes etc.
Man is capable of rational thinking, loving, hating and all the abilities of our senses; that is he experiences life through his senses, his soul.
Man originally understood that all creation is from the hand of God (Rom. 1:19-20), but became vain in their imaginations, professing to be wise, they became fools, even denying God and worshipping idols.

Spirit is from "ruach" in Hebrew; and "pneuma" in Greek.

The spirit of man may be defined as his life force; and is related to breath. The same could be said for all air breathing animals.

"I am going to bring flood waters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it." Gen. 6:17, NIV.
"All in whose nostrils was the breath (neshamah. Heb.) of the spirit (ruach) of life, of all that was on the dry land died." Gen. 7:22, NIV.

Even animals have spirit, body and soul: There are many passages that refer to creatures of the sea, to land animals, and to flying creatures as living souls and having a soul.

Gen. 1:20,21, AV, "And God said, 'Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that have life (soul--nephesh, Heb.), and fowl that may fly....in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales and every living creature (soul--nephesh) that moveth.....and God saw that it was good."

All for now, Bick

 

[glorydaz]

We see man has a spirit.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

The spirit was formed in man at Creation.

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

The spirit of man goes up...the spirit of a beast goes down.

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord...this is how we commune with God.

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

When we're regenerated the Holy Spirit gives inspiration to our spirit.

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Man is a living soul (that containing life), but he also has a soul. It depends on how it's used in any particular verse. These verses speak of the soul of man not relating to his being a living soul, but a soul that can be destroyed apart from the body.

But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

[Mysteryman]

Let me see if I can put a little light on the spirit of man and the spirit of beasts. "ruach"

The word "spirit" in both cases is the Hebrew word "ruach" , Which can be translated - spirit - or wind.

For a more precise understand, this word "ruach" should be understood to mean -- spirit wind.

In Gen. 8:1 we read - "God made a wind- "ruach" to pass over the earth" -- The same word - "ruach" is used in Gen. 1:2 - "the spirit ( ruach ) of God moved upon the face of the waters" < The reason the word "spirit" is not cap. is because it is not talking specifically about the Spirit of God. It is talking about the spirit wind God blew upon the face of the waters.

Mankind has the spirit wind blown into their nostriles from God above.

Animals (beasts) have spirit wind when they were made. God from above, did not blow into their nostriles. Eccl. 3:21 tells us that the spirit of the beast that goeth down < This word "spirit" is "ruach" which means - "spirit wind".

Let me show you all another usage of the word "ruach" in Job 7:7 - "remember that my life (is) wind" < wind, is the Hebrew word - "ruach"

Here is another usage of the Hebrew word "ruach" -- Psalm 103:15 and 16 - "As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth" -- "For the wind ( "ruach" ) passeth over it , and it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more" < This is refering to the quickness of life here on earth.

For your interest, here is another "ruach" --- Psalms 147:18 - "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them : he causeth his wind (ruach) to blow, and the waters flow"

Jonah 4:8 - "And it came to pass when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind" < "ruach"

The word "spirit" in Prov. 20:27 - "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" is the Hebrew word "neshamah" < This is "spirit breath"

 

[glorydaz]

Let me see if I can put a little light on the spirit of man and the spirit of beasts. "ruach"

The word "spirit" in both cases is the Hebrew word "ruach" , Which can be translated - spirit - or wind.

For a more precise understand, this word "ruach" should be understood to mean -- spirit wind.

In Gen. 8:1 we read - "God made a wind- "ruach" to pass over the earth" -- The same word - "ruach" is used in Gen. 1:2 - "the spirit ( ruach ) of God moved upon the face of the waters" < The reason the word "spirit" is not cap. is because it is not talking specifically about the Spirit of God. It is talking about the spirit wind God blew upon the face of the waters.

Mankind has the spirit wind blown into their nostriles from God above.

Animals (beasts) have spirit wind when they were made. God from above, did not blow into their nostriles. Eccl. 3:21 tells us that the spirit of the beast that goeth down < This word "spirit" is "ruach" which means - "spirit wind".

Let me show you all another usage of the word "ruach" in Job 7:7 - "remember that my life (is) wind" < wind, is the Hebrew word - "ruach"

Here is another usage of the Hebrew word "ruach" -- Psalm 103:15 and 16 - "As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth" -- "For the wind ( "ruach" ) passeth over it , and it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more" < This is refering to the quickness of life here on earth.

For your interest, here is another "ruach" --- Psalms 147:18 - "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them : he causeth his wind (ruach) to blow, and the waters flow"

Jonah 4:8 - "And it came to pass when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind" < "ruach"

The word "spirit" in Prov. 20:27 - "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" is the Hebrew word "neshamah" < This is "spirit breath"

Sorry, but "spirit wind" does not fit in the verses I gave...therefore you're wrong. :halo

 

[Ahuli]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

There are two parts to man ... body and spirit. It's in the bible.

Thanks Ahuli. Now we are getting some where.

Consider this, Is there a difference between the soul and the spirit?
The soul has been described by some as that which makes up the essence of man, the personality, the mind, feelings; ....that which makes us alive I guess. The body is the body. the physical aspect of man......but what about the spirit? What do you think? is there a difference?

I would ask that you ponder it. Research a little and let me know what your thoughts are.

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Body plus breath = living soul
Body minus breath = dead soul

When that soul dies, the breath leaves him. That is a fact. That 'soul stuff' taught by many denominations is from Greek and other pagan formulas which teach that man has an immortal soul. The bible teaches that only God has immortality. It is something we must strive to have, by the grace of our Lord.

 

[Ahuli]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

You're exactly right.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[quote="Hebrews 4:12":3os1iax6]For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, (body) and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The spirit is the part of man that communes with God. The soul is the essence of who we are...will, mind, and emotions, and the body is the tent in which we reside.[/quote:3os1iax6]
That is what the pagan Greeks, etc., teach/taught and was adapted/adopted by the syncretic catholic church.

 

[Ahuli]

I forgot to add...the body is the "outer court", the soul is the "inner court, and the spirit is the "holy of holies". People shouldn't scoff at what they don't understand.

People should learn the source of this stuff. And then tell me why God would have anything to do with pagan beliefs when He did so much to stamp it out in the Old Testament. Thank you.

 

[Ahuli]

.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.†Mark 12:30

How many parts of man does this verse say that we have? Add this verse to the ones used as evidence for the Trichotomy of man and one sees even more than four parts. That is unless one goes about trying to interpret the Bible in the way that Witness Lee did, the one who started the Lord’s Recovery or as they are commonly called, the Local Churches. He had a very intriguing and complex concept on the Trichotomy of man.

Man is not made up of parts in the sense that is portrayed by concepts like the Trichotomy of man, concepts that exist in many variations. Man has many aspects. The Trichotomy of man idea tries to make something that God created very complex into something that is simple and easy to understand. And each individual person is not a being with three persons as if he is a Trinity like God. Genesis does not say that we were created with just three parts. It says what it says. God took some dirt and breathed into it and man became a living being or soul. In trying to make man into a simple being we have to interpret simple Bible passages in a very complex way.

Instead of being concerned with this type of thing, it would be better if we learned how to walk according to the Spirit. Then we will be able to discern through the Spirit when we try to make up concepts with our mind that have nothing at all to do with reality.

JamesG

There are two physical parts to man. Body and spirit, the same as breath.

 

[Ahuli]

Thanks glorydaz, for the scriptures.

To me this concept of the Trichotomy of man makes perfect sense from what we know of God, his nature, his word, and especially what the bible teaches us about our own condition. While the bible does not go into great detail of each, we can clearly see man being described as a trichotomy in scripture.

Here are a couple more.

Psalm 84:2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Job 7:11 "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

There seem to be many verses where man's spirit, soul and body are clearly and distinctively mentioned, as separate measures, or make up's of man.

Consider that soul is the same as body and you're right on target. Remember ... body plus breath and man became a living soul .... not "he had a living soul".

 

[Ahuli]

Thanks glorydaz.
That link was helpful in my study. Confirms what I've been working on. I'm working on a study concerning the condition of man before the fall. Looking for illustrations and this "doctrine" if you will, I think best fits.

I probably should have posted this in the talk and advice section, but I'm sure debate would follow there as well.
I have diverted into looking at some of the arguments against this thought, and so far I've only found that you can pound any square peg into a round hole if you have a heavy enough hammer.

To me, the trichotomy of man is still a beautiful illustration of our condition before the fall, now, and in our time to come. However, there is not a lot of specific scripture. Rather, It's truth is unveiled across scripture, which makes it even more fascinating, and no need for large hammers because it fit's perfectly.

Personally I have found that God speaks to me best across scripture. It's better to know the whole than to focus only on a part, but study of a part leads to understanding the whole. This is one of those studies that I think requires many parts to see the whole.

There are little nuggets all through the Word on this, as it seems you've found out. Knowing that man has a spirit, soul, and body has opened up some wonderful truths from the Word. Soul and spirit are not just interchangeable terms, although some translations make them so. When our spirit is regenerated by God, our mind, will, and emotions (the soul) need to be brought under control of the spirit. Our body always obeys our soul so they are all connected. It's the inner man verses the outer man...I find it facinating, myself. :yes

Man does not have a soul, he IS ONE. A living soul. Read the creation story in the bible and dismiss those things that were adapted/adopted from paganism. Pagan teachings are dangerous, even more so when they are deliberately intermingled with scripture. Let it percolate.

 

[Ahuli]

quote="glorydaz"We see man has a spirit.

Man has spirit/breath. Putting "a" in there denotes the possibility of more than one.

The spirit was formed in man at Creation.

The spirit was not formed but given by God when HE bent down to breathe it into the nostrils of the form made of dust, and man became a living soul, not man had a living soul.

 

[Drew]

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Agree. I have not read other posts in this thread, but I am quite convinced that you are right. And you took the words out of my mouth with this:

That 'soul stuff' taught by many denominations is from Greek and other pagan formulas which teach that man has an immortal soul. The bible teaches that only God has immortality. It is something we must strive to have, by the grace of our Lord.

I have not checked, but I will wager a flagon of fine October ale that no one has made a specifically Biblical argument for the existence of the soul that does not secretively slip in the pre-supposition of an immortal soul.

 

[Danus]

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Consider this.

Genesis 2:7
7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground (The Body) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, (The Spirit) and the man became a living being. (the Soul)

How is the any different?

Is it wrong and why?

 

[glorydaz]

I forgot to add...the body is the "outer court", the soul is the "inner court, and the spirit is the "holy of holies". People shouldn't scoff at what they don't understand.

People should learn the source of this stuff. And then tell me why God would have anything to do with pagan beliefs when He did so much to stamp it out in the Old Testament. Thank you.

In case you don't know it, many pagan beliefs are based upon the truth.

I'm speaking of the temple God had the children of Israel construct in the wilderness. I suppose you're going to tell me that from the pagans, too?

So if man has no soul, how can it be destroyed by committing adultery?

If man has no soul, why should we not fear them which can kill the body but not the soul?

You have a lot of scripture refuting your charges of "paganism". :yes
I've met such nay-saying before and your contentions will not stand up.

Proverbs 6:32 - But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

 

[glorydaz]

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Agree. I have not read other posts in this thread, but I am quite convinced that you are right. And you took the words out of my mouth with this:

That 'soul stuff' taught by many denominations is from Greek and other pagan formulas which teach that man has an immortal soul. The bible teaches that only God has immortality. It is something we must strive to have, by the grace of our Lord.

I have not checked, but I will wager a flagon of fine October ale that no one has made a specifically Biblical argument for the existence of the soul that does not secretively slip in the pre-supposition of an immortal soul.

If more people rightly understood that man has a body, soul and spirit...as per scripture, then they might have a better understanding of much of what the Word teaches.

Sanctification would have to be addressed, and that's a sore subject for lots of people.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[glorydaz]

We see man has a spirit.

Man has spirit/breath. Putting "a" in there denotes the possibility of more than one.

The spirit was formed in man at Creation.

The spirit was not formed but given by God when HE bent down to breathe it into the nostrils of the form made of dust, and man became a living soul, not man had a living soul.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to go with the Bible...all translations, by the way.
You just directly contradicted the Word of God.

I'm wondering if you think you're unable to learn something new from the Word, and just prefer to chalk it up to pagan traditions. It's best to listen to the Word on these matters.

1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

 

[Ahuli]

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Consider this.

Genesis 2:7
7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground (The Body) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, (The Spirit) and the man became a living being. (the Soul)

How is the any different?

Is it wrong and why?

Here, the soul is interpreted as body. Man became a living soul, i.e., body/being. He did not get a body/being, he became a living one once God breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. The body/being was already formed from the dust of the ground. Is that difficult?

 

[Ahuli]

I forgot to add...the body is the "outer court", the soul is the "inner court, and the spirit is the "holy of holies". People shouldn't scoff at what they don't understand.

People should learn the source of this stuff. And then tell me why God would have anything to do with pagan beliefs when He did so much to stamp it out in the Old Testament. Thank you.

In case you don't know it, many pagan beliefs are based upon the truth.

And that is what I was waiting for. The suggestion that pagans had/have truth. Are you catholic?
If pagans had/have truth, then God did the ones in the Old Testament terrible injustice, and did the same injustice to the Jews who went awhoring after them. Read Hosea, read the prophets, read, read, read. God destroyed them and left them nothing. Not even the smallest pagan figurine. :o

I'm speaking of the temple God had the children of Israel construct in the wilderness. I suppose you're going to tell me that from the pagans, too?

I don't know the connection or what that has to do with paganism, but the temple/sanctuary was modeled after the one in heaven. Read Exodus.

So if man has no soul, how can it be destroyed by committing adultery?

Man has no soul, he is one. Do you understand this? Read the creation story, please. And that is how it can be destroyed.

If man has no soul, why should we not fear them which can kill the body but not the soul?

Look at this in the original language, and study other uses of the word "soul". I'll not do your work for you.

You have a lot of scripture refuting your charges of "paganism". :yes
I've met such nay-saying before and your contentions will not stand up.


It has nothing to do with nay-saying, but with scripture-saying. If you are catholic, then I understand your contentions. Syncretism/accommodation/inculturation is the way of the rcc and none of it is scriptural.

[quote:2ovurm2p]Proverbs 6:32 - But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. Yeah, his own body!


Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

[/quote:2ovurm2p] Check on a better translation of this. Or do it yourself comparing from the original language. It is a quality feeling to do this yourself.

 

[Ahuli]

The bible tells you that upon creation, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into him and man became a living soul. Man does not have a soul, he is one.

Agree. I have not read other posts in this thread, but I am quite convinced that you are right. And you took the words out of my mouth with this:

That 'soul stuff' taught by many denominations is from Greek and other pagan formulas which teach that man has an immortal soul. The bible teaches that only God has immortality. It is something we must strive to have, by the grace of our Lord.

I have not checked, but I will wager a flagon of fine October ale that no one has made a specifically Biblical argument for the existence of the soul that does not secretively slip in the pre-supposition of an immortal soul.

If more people rightly understood that man has a body, soul and spirit...as per scripture, then they might have a better understanding of much of what the Word teaches.

Sanctification would have to be addressed, and that's a sore subject for lots of people.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If more people were to abstain from catholicism and its teachings, more people would be compelled to study the scriptures to show themselves approved unto God. They would learn that the bible does not contradict itself but is subject to words translated from one language to another and therefore handicapped by the translators. The bible, from the creation account on upward, does not contradict itself regarding the meaning of soul. Let it percolate.

 

[Ahuli]

We see man has a spirit.

Man has spirit/breath. Putting "a" in there denotes the possibility of more than one.

The spirit was formed in man at Creation.

The spirit was not formed but given by God when HE bent down to breathe it into the nostrils of the form made of dust, and man became a living soul, not man had a living soul.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to go with the Bible...all translations, by the way.
You just directly contradicted the Word of God.

I'm wondering if you think you're unable to learn something new from the Word, and just prefer to chalk it up to pagan traditions. It's best to listen to the Word on these matters.

1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

Be my guest. I'm thinking that from childhood on I have studied the scriptures, just like Timothy and not just read, but actually studied in the true meaning of that word. And that can be done with time and due diligence.

Man does not have a soul ... man is a living soul. Now, you fly with your denominational teachings.

If you get a chance, find me in scripture where it says that man has immortal soul.