thinking bible.

You asked

how did ancient israelites understand 'soul' or 'living being' in this creation account?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Genesis 2:7

Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This passage is from the second creation account in Genesis, which focuses more closely on the creation of humanity. It describes God forming the first human from earth and giving him life.

What does it mean for us today to be a 'living soul' formed from both material and divine breath?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Genesis 1:26-27

    This earlier creation account also speaks of humanity's special creation in God's image.

  • Job 33:4

    Job affirms that 'The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.'

Ask your own follow-up