JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1989

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question about Matthew 10:28.

In this verse we find these instructions: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28, NKJV).

This verse is not understood by many because the word "soul" has lost its true meaning. Once that is restored, Jesus' statement becomes clear.

The English word "soul" is translated from the Greek word "psuche" and from the Hebrew word "nephesh." Both words mean a living, breathing creature, referring to man OR animal.

"Soul" NEVER means something immortal INSIDE of man or animal. The words "immortal soul" appear nowhere in the Bible. In fact, the Bible shows that a soul can perish. Ezekiel twice wrote, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:4, 20). The word "soul" pertains to the life of any physical being or creature. "Soul" simply means life.

The word translated "life" in Leviticus 17:11 comes from the same Hebrew word translated "soul." This verse can just as accurately be rendered, "For the SOUL of the flesh is in the blood." Jesus gave His LIFE (translated from the same Greek word translated "soul") as a ransom for us (Mark 10:45) by pouring out His SOUL (life's blood) in payment for sin (Isa. 53:12). Again, "soul" refers to the physical life of human beings or animals.

God can destroy the physical body AND THE SOUL (life). Matthew 10:28 tells us that no man can do both. Jesus said the same thing at another time: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell [the lake of fire -- the second or final death]" (Luke 12:4-5, NKJV). Man can destroy a physical life. But that results only in the first death (Heb. 9:27).

God, on the other hand, has the power both to impart life and to take it away either temporarily or forever. He is able to resurrect those whom men have killed. He is also able to kill in a way no man can. If God judges a person to be unworthy of His Kingdom, that person will be thrown into the lake of fire to be utterly consumed. This is the second death, from which there will be no resurrection (Rev. 20:14-15; Mal. 4:10). The body and life (soul) of the unrepentant will be destroyed forever.

So, then, what Jesus said was that we should not shape our lives by any threat men may pose against us. We should live our lives in total obedience to God and His laws (see Acts 5:29). If men kill us, it will be only temporary. If God kills us, it will be forever.

For the answers to other common questions on this subject, you may wish to request the following literature: TO HELL AND BACK, WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THE SAVED?, and WHAT IS MAN? We would be happy to send these to you free upon your request.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT