Doesn’t Matthew 10:28 teach the immortality of soul?

Matthew 10:28 supports the doctrine of “soul sleep” and final annihilation. To comprehensively explore this topic, we must examine the verse in its context and consider other relevant biblical passages.

Matthew 10:28: Understanding the Verse

Matthew 10:28 is part of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as he sends them out to proclaim the gospel and minister to the people. In this verse, Jesus says:

“And 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.” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV)

At first glance, this verse appears to suggest that the soul is distinct from the body and that it survives physical death. However, upon closer examination, the meaning becomes more nuanced. This verse clearly teaches that both the soul and the body will be destroyed in hell which means that the soul is not eternal by nature. For God “alone has immortality” (1 Timothy 6:15, 16), while man is a mortal being (Psalm 146:3; Ezekiel 2:1; Romans 1:23).

The word “soul” is in Greek “psuchē.” This word is translated 58 times as “soul” or “souls” (Matthew 10:28; 11:29; 12:18; etc) and is translated 40 times in the New Testament as “life” or “lives,” (Matthew 2:20; 6:25; 16:25; etc.). One example for the word “psuchē“ translated to “life” is found in Matthew 16:25, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

In no instance of its use in the Bible does “psuchē” refer to a conscious entity able to exist apart from the body. This idea is derived, not from the Scriptures, but from false philosophical concepts that early found their way from paganism into the Jewish and Christian thinking. The Bible teaches nothing of a living, conscious soul that, supposedly, survives the body. But rather it teaches that “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). And death is clearly the opposite of life.

So, if we put the word “life” in the place of “soul,” in Matthews 10:28, the meaning of this verse will be consistent with the rest of the Bible. And Jesus further confirms this same meaning in Luke 12:4, 5 “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; yes, I say to you, fear Him!”

Soul Sleep and Annihilationism

Matthew 10:28 is interpreted in the context of “soul sleep” and final annihilation. Soul sleep is the belief that upon death, the soul enters a state of unconsciousness until the resurrection, at which point believers are raised to eternal life, and unbelievers face judgment and annihilation. According to this interpretation, Jesus’ reference to the destruction of both soul and body in hell suggests that the ultimate fate of the wicked is annihilation rather than eternal conscious torment.

Conditional immortality and annihilationism propose that immortality is a gift granted to believers by God and that unbelievers will ultimately face annihilation rather than eternal torment. This view emphasizes the biblical teaching that only those who are in Christ will receive eternal life, while the fate of the wicked is destruction.

Exploring Additional Biblical Passages

To gain a fuller understanding of the biblical teaching on the nature of the soul and its fate after death, it is important to consider other relevant passages throughout Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 9:5-6: Sleep of Death

“Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 presents a view of death as a state of unconsciousness, stating, “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing… Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished.” This passage supports of the concept of soul sleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: The Resurrection of the Dead

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, the apostle Paul describes the resurrection of the dead at the return of Christ. He assures believers that those who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ will be raised to new life, receiving glorified bodies and being reunited with the Lord.

Revelation 20:14-15: Second Death

Revelation 20:14-15 speaks of the “second death,” which is the lake of fire. This passage describes the final judgment, where death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, and anyone not found written in the Book of Life is also cast into the lake of fire. Aannihilationism teaches that this is the ultimate fate of the wicked, suggesting that they will be consumed and cease to exist rather than enduring eternal conscious torment.

In conclusion, Matthew 10:28 is a verse that teaches the concepts of soul sleep and final annihilation for the wicked.

For what the Bible teaches about the state of the dead, check: https://bibleask.org/bible-answers/112-the-intermediate-state/

In His service,
BibleAsk Team