Generally of physical life (Genesis 2:7; Luke 16:25, etc.); also used figuratively (1) for immortality (Hebrews 7:16); (2) conduct or manner of life (Romans 6:4); (3) spiritual life or salvation (John 3:16, 17, 18, 36); (4) eternal life (Matthew 19:16, 17; John 3:15); of God and Christ as the absolute source and cause of all life (John 1:4; 5:26, 39; 11:25; 12:50).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or germination, and ends with death; also, the time during which this state continues; that state of an animal or plant in which all or any of its organs are capable of performing all or any of their functions; -- used of all animal and vegetable organisms.

2. (n.) The lifespan of a human.

3. (n.) The potential principle, or force, by which the organs of animals and plants are started and continued in the performance of their several and cooperative functions; the vital force, whether regarded as physical or spiritual.

4. (n.) Figuratively: The potential or animating principle, also, the period of duration, of anything that is conceived of as resembling a natural organism in structure or functions; as, the life of a state, a machine, or a book; authority is the life of government.

5. (n.) A certain way or manner of living with respect to conditions, circumstances, character, conduct, occupation, etc.; hence, human affairs; also, lives, considered collectively, as a distinct class or type; as, low life; a good or evil life; the life of Indians, or of miners.

6. (n.) Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.

7. (n.) That which imparts or excites spirit or vigor; that upon which enjoyment or success depends; as, he was the life of the company, or of the enterprise.

8. (n.) The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a picture or a description from the life.

9. (n.) A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many lives were sacrificed.

10. (n.) The system of animal nature; animals in general, or considered collectively.

11. (n.) An essential constituent of life, esp. the blood.

12. (n.) A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography; as, Johnson wrote the life of Milton.

13. (n.) Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity.

14. (n.) Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; -- used as a term of endearment.