נפש האלוקית is the Divine soul—the second soul of a Jew—a literal part of G–d above.[1]
Definition[edit]
The נפש האלוקית is described as “a part of G–d above,” as it is written, “He breathed into his nostrils a soul of life,” and, “You have breathed it [the soul] into me.”[2] The Zohar explains, “He who blows, blows from within”—indicating that the soul emanates from G–d’s innermost essence.
Allegorically, the souls of Israel originate in Divine thought, as it is written: “My firstborn son is Israel,” and “You are children of the L–rd your G–d.” Just as a child derives from the father’s brain, so too, the soul of a Jew is drawn from G–d’s thought and wisdom.
The dwelling place of the divine soul is in the mind (the brain in the head), and from there it extends throughout the body. It also resides in the heart—specifically the right chamber, where there is no blood—as it says, “The heart of the wise man is on his right.”[3]
All the faculties of the נפש האלוקית—its intellect and emotions—are directed solely toward G–d and divine service.
Teachings of the Rebbeim[edit]
The Rebbeim teach that the נפש האלוקית naturally loves G–d and longs to cleave to Him.[4] This manifests in the soul’s delight in acts of חסד, emulating His attributes, as our Sages taught: “To cleave to Him” means to cleave to His ways.
This also applies to the attribute of גבורה: one uses it to overcome the yetzer hara, to sanctify oneself even in permissible matters, and to set boundaries out of fear of Heaven and the dread of sin.
The נפש האלוקית seeks to glorify G–d and His Torah, to connect deeply with His praises—not only emotionally, but through contemplative thought, even as one speaks.
It strives to overcome any force that impedes divine service or G–d’s presence being revealed in the world—like the wars of King David, which were for the sake of G–d.
Ultimately, it bows in total submission before the One who gives life to all beings, recognizing that “all before Him are as nothing,” and truly perceiving the world as utterly null before G–d’s essence.