Human Composition in Biblical Theology
1. Introduction
The Bible speaks not only of the body, soul, and spirit, but also of the “inner man”—the spiritual core of human identity. Closely connected to this is the concept of being created in the image of God (imago Dei). This entry explores what the Bible means by the “inner man,” how it relates to the soul and spirit, and how it connects to humanity’s role as image-bearers of God. Understanding the inner man is vital for doctrines of sanctification, spiritual renewal, and eternal transformation.
2. Biblical Usage of “Inner Man”
The term “inner man” (ἔσω ἄνθρωπον in Greek) appears in Paul’s epistles and refers to the true spiritual self, distinguished from the external, visible self.
Romans 7:22 – “For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Though our outer man is perishing, yet the inner man is being renewed day by day.”
Ephesians 3:16 – “…that He would grant you… to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
▶ The inner man refers to the spiritually alive self, capable of knowing, loving, and obeying God.
3. Outer vs Inner Man – A Biblical Contrast
| Aspect | Outer Man (sōma, body) | Inner Man (pneuma, spirit) |
|---|---|---|
| Visible | Yes | No |
| Temporal | Mortal, decays (2 Cor. 4:16) | Eternal, can be renewed |
| Affected by sin | Subject to death (Rom. 8:10) | Spiritually dead or alive |
| Subject to renewal | No—awaits resurrection | Yes—renewed daily (2 Cor. 4:16) |
| Judged | Raised for judgment | Accountable to God (Heb. 9:27) |
▶ The outer man decays, but the inner man, if regenerated, is being renewed and prepared for glory.
4. The Inner Man and the Human Spirit
The “inner man” and “human spirit” are closely related concepts. The human spirit (pneuma) is:
- The seat of conscience and God-awareness (Rom. 8:16)
- What is dead in sin but made alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1, 5)
- Strengthened by the Holy Spirit in regeneration (Eph. 3:16)
Proverbs 20:27 – “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD…”
▶ The “inner man” is not a separate part but refers to the renewed condition of the spirit and soul when reconciled to God.
5. The Inner Man and the Soul
The inner man also overlaps with the soul (psychē)—the emotional, volitional self:
- The soul sings, weeps, hopes, and desires (Ps. 42:11; Lk. 1:46)
- The soul can be broken or restored (Ps. 23:3)
▶ Together, the spirit and soul make up the inner life of the human being—what God redeems and transforms.
6. Created in the Image of God
Genesis 1:26–27 – “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…”
What does “image of God” (imago Dei) mean?
| View | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Substantive | Image = rationality, conscience, moral awareness (linked to soul/spirit) |
| Relational | Image = capacity for relationship with God and others |
| Functional | Image = rule and dominion (Gen. 1:28); stewardship over creation |
▶ The inner man reflects God’s image through:
- Spirituality – God is spirit (John 4:24)
- Moral capacity – knowing good and evil
- Volition – making choices, expressing love
- Relationship – designed for communion with God
7. The Image of God After the Fall
Though marred, the image of God is not destroyed.
Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds man’s blood… for in the image of God He made man.”
James 3:9 – “With it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God.”
▶ All people still bear the image, but it is distorted by sin—requiring restoration in Christ.
8. The Inner Man in Regeneration and Renewal
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
Colossians 3:10 – “…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.”
- The inner man is renewed at regeneration by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5)
- This process continues in sanctification as we become more like Christ
Romans 8:29 – “…conformed to the image of His Son…”
9. Future Glory – The Inner and Outer Man United
Philippians 3:21 – “He will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body…”
- The inner man, now spiritually alive, will be reunited with a glorified body.
- The full image of God will be restored in both form and function.
1 John 3:2 – “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
10. Conclusion
The inner man refers to the immaterial core of the human person—the combination of spirit and soul, created in the image of God, marred by sin, and renewed through Christ. This inner self is where true transformation begins and where eternity is decided. Restoring the inner man is central to the work of the Holy Spirit, as He conforms believers to the image of God’s Son in preparation for resurrection glory.