Spirit, Soul, and Flesh

by Ernest De Witt Burton

Publisher:

University of Chicago Press

, 1918

Overview

For almost a century, Burton’s work in New Testament studies, Greek linguistics, Christian history, and source criticism has been lauded for its authority and influence. Head of New Testament Literature and Interpretation at the University of Chicago, Burton’s substantial contribution to Christian thought and biblical exegesis has been astounding.

With the purpose of laying the lexicographical foundation for the interpretation of the words “spirit,” “soul,” and “flesh” in the New Testament, Ernest DeWitt Burton explores the ancient Greek and Hebrew writer’s use of these words in the Old Testament and in Greek literature from the earliest period to 180 A.D. An extensive and methodical study, Burton’s important work is also practical: Greek, Hebrew, and Latin passages are given in the original and in translation.

With Burton’s customary rich prose and expansive research, these books are perceptive and exceptional in their scholarship. With the Logos Bible Software edition of Spirit, Soul, and Flesh all Scripture passages are linked to your favorite Bible translation in your library. With the advanced search features of Logos Bible Software, you can perform powerful searches by topic or Scripture reference—finding, for example, every mention of "spirit" or "soul."

Key Features

• Includes a detailed table of contents and thorough appendices
• Contains the usage of Πνεῦμα, Ψυχή, and Σάρξ in Greek writings and translated works from the earliest period to 225 A.D.; and of their equivalents רוּחַ, נֶ֣פֶשׁ and בָּשָׂרin the Hebrew Old Testament

Contents

Top Highlights

“The development of the usage of πνεῦμα is somewhat different. From the primitive meaning ‘wind’ arises the meaning ‘breath,’ and from this in a purely physical sense come the meanings ‘breath of life,’ ‘life.’ On this basis apparently is developed the conception of a soul-stuff, out of which individual souls come and to which they return.” (Page 72)

“As to the capacity of the soul for existence apart from the body and after death, both Hebrew and Greek writers differ among themselves.” (Page 73)

“Πνεῦμα does not occur in Homer, Hesiod, or Pindar, but first appears in Aeschylus.” (Page 13)

Praise for the Print Edition

This is strong meat, but the honest Bible scholar is apt to be a bit radical, for the Bible, and especially the New Testament, is a radical and revolutionary book.

—The Sewanee Review

Certainly the careful student of the Gospels will find nothing in recent synoptic literature more necessary in making a thoroughly scientific study of the Gospels.

—Bibliotheca Sacra, Vol. 75

Product Details

• Title: Spirit, Soul, and Flesh
• Author: Ernest DeWitt Burton
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Date: 1918
• Pages: 214

About Ernest De Witt Burton

Ernest DeWitt Burton (1856–1925) graduated from Denison University in 1876, then from Rochester Theological Seminary in 1882. His studies also carried him to Germany at Leipzig and Berlin. Burton taught at the seminaries in Rochester and Newton before becoming head of the department of New Testament Literature and Interpretation at the University of Chicago—where he was president from 1923–1925.