Many a conflicting view has been taught on this concept and because of the degree of concentration needed to absorb the intricacies of this concept, very few teachings can be found on the subject. However, in this study, we will attempt to define spirit, soul and body in the simplest terms possible. Because of the very detailed work necessary to connect Hebrew and Greek concepts, we will deal predominately with the New Testament Greek.

PSUCHE - Breath, referring to breath as in the natural breath of life. A soft breeze as opposed to a blast of air.

SOMA - The body as a whole. Used in a very wide application, literal or figurative, usually referring to the physical body.

KARDlA - The heart or middle, figurative of innermost being or human spirit.

SUNESlS - The putting together of all intellect (the comprehension of it).

DlANOlA - Deep thought, in the mind. The implication is the channeling or exercise of it.

NOUS - The intellect or conscious, rational mind wherein decisions are computed and made through an act of the will.

Not much New or Old Testament teaching can be found specifically on the tri-unity of man, although indication has been made, in scripture, of the concept. It was first made by Jesus Christ in Mark 12:30, "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."

Though it is not specifically explained, it is clear that there are three distinct parts being referred to in the verse which are the heart (Gr. Kardia), figurative of the human spirit, the soul (Gr. Psuche) and strength (Gr. Ischus), referring to the body or the force of one's being. We also see a reference to the mind (Gr. Dianoia). In verse 33, "And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices," we also find a reference to the understanding (Gr. Sunesis), which means the putting together of all thought within one's being so as to understand or comprehend. So we not only have a reference to spirit, soul and body, but also the mind. The mind is rooted in all three parts of one's being - physical information, emotional or soulish information, and spiritual thought or information.

The Apostle Paul referred to the spirit, soul and body in two specific instances as being the make-up of the whole man. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit (Gr. Pneuma) and soul (Gr. Psuche) and body (Gr. Soma) be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse indicates that God desires to heal and prosper the whole man. Another reference made by Paul to the spirit, soul and body is found in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

In this verse we see an obvious reference to the spirit, soul and body. The joints and marrow refer to the physical body (Gr. Soma). The heart (Gr. Kardia), refers to the hidden, inward thoughts and feelings, whether in the spirit, soul or combination of both.