You say...
After saying...
Hence asking where you find "finished" in the text.
The point is this: your denial of the importance of the original language/s conflicts with the fact that (1) the "basic English structure is a result of the Translation process, (2) you then claim recognition of the original "meaning" (and at least some contempt for "man's opinions"), and (3) you insert your opinion of what you think a text states and means while ignoring what is actually in the text.
In other words, Tom, you would not even understand the relationship between the English translation and the original if there was no translation.
In regards to your view of when "souls" are created (which you deny having):
The following statements...
You believe God and at least some men had a previous relationship. Not a general relationship to Man on God's part, but you arguing for a literal relationship between God and man.
And you say we "have to address that previous relationship," so your mind is made up on the issue.
So you believe these "souls" had to exist before they were born, or you would have to embrace a belief that men are born into relationship, and seeing that you at no time even hint at that, but continue this subtle inquiry, we might guess that you believe these "souls" pre-existed birth.
I think you already have the answer you would supply, and again I ask...why not just get it out on the table, Tom?
If we can't openly discuss what we believe, even if it is speculation, perhaps we should rethink what it is we believe, and put a little more effort in either validating or invalidating those beliefs.
Now tell me the truth: do you see "the Children" as pre-existing "souls" who took on the form of man?
Here we see that you believe you were a child of God who was "put in flesh."
And you say you don't know when souls are created? If they existed before they were put into flesh...what were they before, Tom?
So go ahead and state what you think that relationship was. Would we not have to have pre-existing "souls" for this to be true?
So when do you think this relationship took place?
You give a little insight to your beliefs here, from which we can see that you believe they are "eternal," which is more likely you mean "immortal," because we know no created being is eternal. If you did use eternal in the sense we apply this to God then you would be stating men are gods.
And what is the name of this thread, Tom?
So stop beating around the bush, if you don't mind. Just speak your views plainly, whether it be speculation of embraced belief.
Your statement also carries with it a denial of men being born separated from God, and that separation as a result of the Fall.
First, the Old Testament usage of the term translated "soul" has to be determined within the context of every passage as to what is in view. I will suggest to you that nearly every use has in view the same meaning we see when man is created: his body is formed, then he receives spirit, or, life. At that point Adam became "a living soul."
So it's not hard to see that the Bible makes it clear that "souls" are created in the womb after Adam and Eve are created.
As far as the spirit of man entering man, this...
Psalm 139:13-16
King James Version (KJV)
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Seems to me David did not have a view of pre-existing his mother's womb.
So, now that we have an understanding that the original languages do matter in understanding the Word of God, I would again ask you to speak plainly about your beliefs.
Can you, after making the comments above...deny you believe that men existed before birth? And will you share where it is that you think these men were before birth?
God bless.