The word “ψυχή” (pronunciation: psuchē, definition: breath) derives from the ancient Greek verb “ψύχω” (pronunciation: psukhō, definition: to breathe, blow, refresh with cool air).

In the Greek bible, the translation of the Hebrew word “soul” (nephesh, נֶ֫פֶשׁ‎) has different meanings. For example in Isaiah 5:14, the soul has the meaning of larynx (organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing). The word soul is also used with the meaning of neck in Psalm 105:18 and Psalm 44:25. In Leviticus 17:11, the soul is connected with the meaning of blood. In Revelation 16:3, the word soul is linked with the meaning of body.