The meaning of words in the Bible can differ based on the context. In the case of creation of Adam, when God breathed His spirit into Adam's body he became a "living soul". Departure of the ghost from the body suggest reversal of this process. In this context, soul suggests something along the lines of "living/sentient component within a physical body".
However, "fear the one who can destroy both the body and the soul in hell", suggests different meaning for "soul" since the context tells us the body is dead, so here meaning of the soul more along the lines of "invisible, spiritual component of a human being".
"The soul that sins shall die" or " that soul shall be cut off from his people" suggests yet another meaning for soul - more along the lines of "an individual".
Especially in the light of the last, the Bible does tell us what is annihilated: their NAMES (identities) are blotted out (obliterated) from the book of life. To reinforce this point, the believers are said to receive a new name (new identity) in Jesus Christ! I believe this is one of the main informations that we have for the second death vs the second resurrection. I do not understand how exactly will this play out, maybe I will in time.
As a response to your post quoted below, soul or spirit likely do not belong to the empirical matter/energy realm where everything is lossless and just changes shape, so to say. Being is caused by the breath of the Spirit of God and God (unlike matter-energy world) who is an absolute being in whom we also have our being, cannot be empirically tamed for observation and measurement. I'd think you would concur that God is Spirit, who is above mere energy.
As to the matter, the body is said to be destroyed by decomposition, as long as the Bible is concerned "the dust (physical body that Spirit was breathed into) returns into dust (decomposes)", so this doesn't contradict science. Again, although the word annihilate has "nihil"/"nothing" in it, the word itself doesn't actually suggest something turning into nothing, but destruction. However, "blotting one out" does strongly suggest erasure.
However, "fear the one who can destroy both the body and the soul in hell", suggests different meaning for "soul" since the context tells us the body is dead, so here meaning of the soul more along the lines of "invisible, spiritual component of a human being".
"The soul that sins shall die" or " that soul shall be cut off from his people" suggests yet another meaning for soul - more along the lines of "an individual".
Especially in the light of the last, the Bible does tell us what is annihilated: their NAMES (identities) are blotted out (obliterated) from the book of life. To reinforce this point, the believers are said to receive a new name (new identity) in Jesus Christ! I believe this is one of the main informations that we have for the second death vs the second resurrection. I do not understand how exactly will this play out, maybe I will in time.
As a response to your post quoted below, soul or spirit likely do not belong to the empirical matter/energy realm where everything is lossless and just changes shape, so to say. Being is caused by the breath of the Spirit of God and God (unlike matter-energy world) who is an absolute being in whom we also have our being, cannot be empirically tamed for observation and measurement. I'd think you would concur that God is Spirit, who is above mere energy.
As to the matter, the body is said to be destroyed by decomposition, as long as the Bible is concerned "the dust (physical body that Spirit was breathed into) returns into dust (decomposes)", so this doesn't contradict science. Again, although the word annihilate has "nihil"/"nothing" in it, the word itself doesn't actually suggest something turning into nothing, but destruction. However, "blotting one out" does strongly suggest erasure.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
The blotting out is the book of life are the names of all he intended to create. When compared to the lambs book of life the new creation and no name was there it would be just as if they never existed as a way of blotting out .
Those who rise to new spirit life. Their memory of the things done under the sun will not be remembered or ever come to mind. The old creation will be like it was never here. Here today, gone not to be remembered tomorrow.
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