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The verse Matthew 10:28 in the New King James Version (NKJV) addresses a significant aspect of Christian belief regarding the soul, mortality, and the fear of death. Let’s explore its meaning in depth, considering the biblical context and related passages.o can kill the body but cannot affect the soul—with the ultimate authority of God, who has the power to determine the eternal destiny of both body and soul.
“Do Not Fear Those Who Kill the Body But Cannot Kill the Soul”?
“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
Though we naturally fear people who can kill us, Jesus was giving us the true eternal perspective. We should not fear man, but God. Why? Because God alone has the authority to deny bringing us back to life—destroying the capacity for the resurrection to eternal life.
If we fear, reverence and obey God, we don’t need to fear men that want to kill our bodies because God will preserve our souls if we were dead. And He will resurrect our bodies at His second coming. “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, … and the dead in Christ shall rise … and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 also 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.).
Interpretation
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, preparing them for the challenges and persecutions they will face as they proclaim the gospel. He contrasts the limited power of human adversaries—who can kill the body but cannot affect the soul—with the ultimate authority of God, who has the power to determine the eternal destiny of both body and soul.
The Nature of the Soul
Central to understanding this verse is the biblical perspective on the soul. The term “soul” (Greek: ψυχή, psychē) refers to the inner life or essence of a person, encompassing their thoughts, emotions, and will. In the Old Testament, the soul is often associated with the breath of life given by God (Genesis 2:7).
Genesis 2:7 NKJV
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being [soul].”
This foundational passage in Genesis describes God’s creation of humanity from dust and the impartation of life through the breath of life. It highlights the intimate connection between the physical body and the immaterial soul.
The soul of man is mortal. The word soul that appears in Matthew 10:28 is the Greek word “psuchē” which means “life,” or “soul.” This word is translated 40 times in the New Testamemt as “life” or “lives,” with the meaning commonly attributed to the word “life” (Matthew 2:20; 6:25; 16:25; etc.).
The word “soul” is rendered 58 times as “soul” or “souls” (Matthew 10:28; 11:29; 12:18; etc.). In some of these instances it means simply “people” (Acts 7:14; 27:37; 1 Peter 3:20). In other instances it is translated as, or equivalent to, some personal pronoun (Matthew 12:18; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Psalms 16:10). At times, it refers to the emotions (Mark 14:34; Luke 2:35), to the natural appetites (Revelation 18:14), to the mind (Acts 14:2; Philippians 1:27), or to the heart (Ephesians 6:6).
Therefore, there is nothing in the word soul (psuchē) itself that even remotely implies a conscious entity that is able to survive the death of the body and hence be immortal. In no instance of its use in the Bible does soul (psuchē) refer to a conscious entity able to exist apart from the body. The Bible knows nothing of a living, conscious soul that, supposedly, survives the body.
The Mortality of the Soul
Contrary to the concept of the immortal soul, which suggests that the soul is inherently eternal and indestructible, the Bible presents humans as mortal beings.
Job 4:17 NKJV
“Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?”
This verse from emphasizes the mortality of the soul rather than its inherent immortality.
Immortality is mentioned only once in the Bible as describing God alone.
1 Timothy 6:16 NKJV
“Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.”
Soul Sleep and Biblical Teaching
The concept of “soul sleep” posits that upon death, the soul enters a state of unconsciousness or dormancy until the resurrection at the end times. This view is based on several biblical passages that suggest a state of rest or waiting for the deceased.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 NKJV
“For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.”
This verse from Ecclesiastes reflects a perspective on death and the afterlife that suggests a state of unconsciousness or inactivity for the deceased. It challenges the notion of ongoing consciousness after physical death.
Assurance in God’s Care
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 encourage believers not to fear persecution or physical harm because they trust in God’s ultimate authority and care over their lives. The emphasis is on spiritual preparedness and steadfast faith in God’s promises.
Psalm 23:4 NKJV
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
This passage from Psalm 23 provides reassurance in the face of mortality and uncertainty, affirming God’s presence and protection even in the darkest times. It echoes the sentiment of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 10:28, emphasizing trust in God’s sovereignty over life and death.
Conclusion
Matthew 10:28 challenges traditional notions of the immortal soul by highlighting the mortal nature of humanity and the ultimate authority of God over life and death. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual readiness and faithfulness rather than fear of physical harm or persecution. The verse invites reflection on the biblical teachings regarding the soul, mortality, and the nature of God’s sovereignty. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s care and ultimate justice, finding courage in the assurance of His presence and protection. Ultimately, Matthew 10:28 directs attention to the eternal significance of spiritual preparedness and fidelity to God’s will, emphasizing the temporal limitations of human existence and the enduring promise of God’s providence.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team