Life
Summary
The vital principle bestowed by God upon living creatures, used in Scripture to denote physical existence, moral activity, spiritual regeneration, and the eternal blessing of communion with God through Christ.
☩Terminology
The Hebrew chayyim (usually plural with singular meaning) denotes physical life and existence as opposed to death. The Greek distinguishes three terms: bios refers to outward life, its period, means, and manner; psuche (from 'breathe') signifies the animating vital force or soul that may be lost or laid down; and zoe denotes life in its fullest sense, raised to its highest power—'the life which is life indeed' (1 Timothy 6:19). Zoe is frequently characterized as 'eternal' (aionios), expressing its unconquerable nature rather than merely endless duration.
☩Physical Life
Physical life was imparted when God breathed into man's nostrils 'the breath of life,' making him a living soul (Genesis 2:7). This life remains absolutely dependent upon God, who gives to all 'life and breath and all things' (Acts 17:25). The ancients believed the vital principle resided particularly in the blood, hence the prohibition against consuming blood (Leviticus 17:11). Scripture represents life as exceedingly precious; the Decalogue forbids murder, and offenses against life demanded severe punishment (Genesis 9:4-5). Long life was promised to the obedient and those who feared God (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 10:27).
☩Brevity and Uncertainty
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes life's brevity and fragility. Jacob described his years as 'few and evil' (Genesis 47:9). Job compared life to a weaver's shuttle (Job 7:6), a flower that fades, a shadow that flees (Job 14:1-2). The psalmists declare that human days are like grass or a watch in the night (Psalm 90:5-6; 103:15-16). James likens life to a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes (James 4:14). Jesus taught that earthly life, however protected, ultimately passes: 'What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own life?' (Mark 8:36).
☩Spiritual Life
Beyond physical existence, Scripture distinguishes spiritual life—the moral and religious vitality that comes through relationship with God. Man in his natural state is 'dead in trespasses and sins' and requires quickening by divine power (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus spoke of those who were spiritually dead though physically alive: 'Let the dead bury their dead' (Matthew 8:22). This spiritual life begins in the present through faith in Christ: 'He who hears my word and believes has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life' (John 5:24). Fellowship with God constitutes the essence of this life: 'With thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light' (Psalm 36:9).
☩Christ as the Source of Life
God alone possesses life inherently—'the Father has life in himself'—and has granted the Son also to have 'life in himself' (John 5:26). Christ declared 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6). As 'the resurrection and the life,' He promises that whoever believes in Him, though he dies, shall live (John 11:25). This life, residing in Christ, is communicated to believers: 'In him was life, and the life was the light of men' (John 1:4). Paul describes Christ as 'our life' in whom believers' existence is hidden until His glorious appearing (Colossians 3:4).
☩Eternal Life
Eternal life denotes the complete blessing of the realized kingdom of God—life in its full reality as fellowship with God forever. Though consummated in the future, it is already the possession of believers: 'He who believes in the Son has eternal life' (John 3:36). Its conditions include repentance (Acts 11:18) and faith (1 Timothy 1:16); its evidences are freedom from sin's bondage (Romans 6:6), love for the brethren (1 John 3:14), and daily spiritual renewal (2 Corinthians 4:16). The resurrection will transform mortality into immortality, when 'this mortal must put on immortality' (1 Corinthians 15:53). Those whose names are written in 'the book of life' shall inherit the eternal city where God's presence provides all light and life forever (Revelation 21:27; 22:1-5).
Related Verses489 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Life," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Life," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Life and Death," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Life," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Life," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).