Some make this claim in an endeavor to make it appear that that the Hebrew word often transliterated as Neshamah is an immortal entity that continues to be conscious after the death of the body. Nevertheless, its usage in Genesis 7:21,22 does speak of both man and animals as having neshamah, breath of life. Thus, this word is obviously used to designate the breath, the force or energy from God (Genesis 2:17) that gives us life and keeps us alive.