The concept of My soul in Christianity
According to Christianity, the keyphrase "my soul" refers to the inner self or spirit, highlighting various emotional states, spiritual reflections, and connections to the divine. It encompasses feelings of joy, sorrow, and longing, encouraging self-awareness and spiritual growth. The concept serves as a call to action for individuals to awaken their inner being, engage in self-reflection, and seek divine assistance. This essence is portrayed as vital for understanding one's ultimate purpose and the search for connection with God throughout life’s challenges.
Synonyms: Spirit, Essence, Being, Heart, Inner self, Core, Psyche
In Dutch: Mijn ziel; In Finnish: Minun sieluni; In Spanish: Mi alma; In Swedish: Min själ; In Malay: Jiwa saya; In German: Meine Seele; In French: Mon âme; In Finnish: Sieluni
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'My soul'
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) The part of a person that is not physical, and that can experience emotion and wonder.[1] (2) This refers to the essence of the person, desiring that it finds rest in the divine and be able to sleep peacefully.[2] (3) This term refers to one's inner self, emphasizing the deep and personal nature of spiritual connection and reverence.[3] (4) This is the speaker's own being, which is a very beautiful place, according to the author's perspective, where their God frequents.[4] (5) This is a direct address, a call to action, and the speaker urges it to awaken and pay attention to the threats that surround it, emphasizing the need for vigilance.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to Jesus' emotional state, expressing profound sorrow and anguish, specifically describing a feeling of being overwhelmed and deeply troubled, bordering on the point of death.[6] (2) This phrase, used in the second clause, represents the self-encouragement to that attitude and disposition, stirring himself up to renew and continue the faith and resignation that he has.[7] (3) Refers to the self or inner being of the Psalmist, which experiences a range of emotions including sorrow and hope.[8]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) A reference to self-reflection and the individual's internal dialogue regarding life and material goods.[9]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This is the beginning of Mary's declaration of praise, magnifying the Lord.[10] (2) This describes a part of the speaker, indicating their inner self, emotions, or essence, expressing feelings or attitudes towards certain practices or actions.[11] (3) The author expresses a willingness to give their soul for the sake of the audience, suggesting a deep care and concern for their well-being.[12] (4) This is a reference to the essence of Simeon, and the text describes how he afflicted it with fasting in the fear of the Lord, as a way to overcome envy.[13] (5) It is a direct reference to Christ, highlighting the emotional aspect of his being, expressing the sorrow of the soul as described within the context.[14]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) A reference to the inner self, as mentioned in the parable about the rich man.[15]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The soul, in this text, is in a state of spiritual darkness and cannot fully perceive the attributes of God due to its separation from divine light.[16] (2) The speaker addresses their own soul, asking questions about its search for God and its ability to perceive the divine presence, questioning the feelings.[17]
Gnostic concept of 'My soul'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) My soul is what is preserved and saved, and it is associated with the individual's hope and faith, as they seek deliverance from shame and affliction.[18] (2) My soul is the essence of the speaker, which was led up out of hell, and saved, as described in the interpreted song.[19] (3) The speaker's "my soul" is saved.[20] (4) My soul is referenced in the Psalm, referring to the speaker's inner self, which others may strive after or against.[21] (5) The essence of the speaker, sought by the Light.[22]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) This is what one can say when seeking Him from out of oneself, along with 'my god, my mind, my reason, my body,' according to Monoïmus's instructions.[23]