This dynamic force can be impaired or diminished as well as renewed or increased. Jesus pronounced a blessing on the "poor in spirit" ( Matt 5:3 ). ( initial capital letter) the divine influence as an agency working in the human heart. ruah; Gr. The word “spirit” when used in the Scriptures has several meanings. 1915. an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action: the spirit of reform. Thus life and death are realistically described as an imparting or a withdrawing of God's breath, as in Job 27:3; 33:4; 34:14, "spirit and breath" going together. When it descends on the judges it activates and enables them to do great exploits ( Judges 3:10 ; 14:6 ). While it occasionally means wind ( John 3:8 ) and breath ( Matt 27:50 ; 2 Thess 2:8 ), it is most generally translates "spirit" an incorporeal, feeling, and intelligent being. See CONSCIENCE; FLESH; HOLY SPIRIT; PSYCHOLOGY; SOUL. The Hebrew word ruʹach and the Greek word pneuʹma, often translated “spirit,” have a number of meanings. While God's Spirit is holy, reference is made to unclean, evil, and demonic spirits that are injurious to relationships with God and other humans. Wendt in his interesting monograph (Die Begriffe Fleisch und Geist), of which extracts are given in Dickson's Paul's Use of the Terms Flesh and Spirit, draws attention to the transcendental influence of the Divine ruach in the Old Testament as expressed in such phrases as `to put on' (Judges 6:34), `to fall upon' (14:6,19), `to settle' (Numbers 11:25). The sin of “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” is referenced in Mark 3:22-30 and Matthew 12:22-32 just after Jesus had performed a miracle of casting a demon out of a man, healing the possessed man of blindness and muteness. Breath is also a basic meaning of this term. While the letter kills, the Spirit gives life ( 2 Cor 3:6 ). Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. It is the spirit that sustains a person through illness ( Prov 18:14 ), but the spirit of the troubled person can be crushed ( Psalm 34:18 ). Pneuma [pneu'ma] is the New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament ruah [;jWr]. "Entry for 'SPIRIT'". In the New Testament spirit is also seen as that dimension of human personality whereby relationship with God is possible ( Mark 2:8 ; Acts 7:59 ; Rom 1:9 ; 8:16 ; 1 Cor 5:3-5 ). Given the distributed uses of ruah [;jWr] (standing twice as often for the wind/power of God as it does for the breath/feelings/will of the person), mortals cannot see themselves as independent of God. It is also used of bad breath Job's breath was repulsive to his wife ( Job 19:17 ). Spirit. The spirit is thus in man the principle of life--but of man as distinguished from the brute--so that in death this spirit is yielded to the Lord (Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 5:5, "that the spirit may be saved"). Rejecting the well-known passage in Genesis: "Let us make man after our own image," which some have interpreted in a trinitarian sense, we may point to such texts as Zechariah 4:6, "by my Spirit"; Isaiah 63:10,11, "They rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit"; "Where is he that put his holy Spirit in the midst of them?" Ruah can also refer to feelings. All of them refer to that which is invisible to human sight and gives evidence of force in motion. Hence, God's power is manifested in human life and character (Luke 4:14; Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 2:4; especially Luke 24:49). Breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. This is borne out by the New Testament, with its warnings against "grieving the Holy Spirit," "lying against the Holy Spirit," and kindred expressions (Ephesians 4:30; Acts 5:3). For man is but a creature to whom life has been imparted by God's spirit--life being but a resultant of God's breath. 18. Its varied use almost defies analysis, but some emphases are discernible. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Are we not right in maintaining with Davidson that "there are indeed a considerable number of passages in the Old Testament which might very well express the idea that the Spirit is a distinct hypostasis or person."? For THE HOLY, HOLINESS SPIRIT, the third person of the Holy Trinity, who inspired the prophets, animates good men, pours his unction into our hearts, imparts to us life and comfort; and in whose name we are baptized and blessed, as well as in that of the Father and the Son. Paul speaks of Adam as a "living soul" but of Christ as a "life-giving spirit." All of them refer to that which is invisible to human sight and gives evidence of force in motion. It is this human spiritual nature that enables continuing conversation with the divine Spirit ( Rom 8:9-17 ). ); the "Spirit of Christ" (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 4:6); or simply of "Spirit," with distinct reference to God (1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:16,23, etc.). And where sin has been keenly felt, it is "a broken spirit" which is "a sacrifice to God" (Psalms 51:17); and when man submits to the power of sin, a new direction is given to his mind: he comes under a "spirit of whoredom" (Hosea 4:12); he becomes "proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8), instead of being "patient in spirit"; he is a fool because he is "hasty in spirit" and gives way to "anger" (Ecclesiastes 7:9). In these verses, then, “spirit” refers to that which gives life to a body. (2) Operations of the Divine Spirit as Third Person of the Trinity: On this higher plane, too, we find the Divine Spirit at work. "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3); "spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1); "of bondage" (Romans 8:15); "of jealousy" (Numbers 5:14); "of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7 the King James Version); "of slumber" (Romans 11:8 the King James Version). Jesus "grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom" ( Luke 2:40 ). The "faithful in spirit" are the men who resist talebearing and backbiting in the world (Proverbs 11:13). Where we had harbored selfishness, cruelty, rebelliousness, and spite, we now possess love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is used more often of God (136 times) than of persons or animals (129 times). (Heb. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. SPIRITUALLY, adv. That which hath power or energy; the quality of any substance which manifest life, activity, or the power of strongly affecting other bodies; as the spirit of wine or of any liquor. a divine, inspiring, or animating being or influence. the presence of God as part of a person's religious experience. The word "Spirit" can be defined as that part of a man related to worship and divine communion with God. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/nwtstg/univ/wpub/nwtstg_univ_lg.jpg, Publication download options It was an east wind that brought locusts ( Exod 10:13 ) and a strong east wind that divided the Red Sea and dried it up ( Exod 14:21 ). "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". This Spirit is placed on a level with Father and Son in the Apostolic Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14) and in the parting message of the Saviour to His disciples (Matthew 28:19). 26:9 ). They are inert and have no power to awake and arise ( Hab 2:19 ). In both Testaments, spirit is used of both God and human beings. The psalmist prays for a steadfast spirit ( Psalm 51:10 ). The link between the anthropological and the divine ruah [;jWr] is not always clear and well defined. The empowering perspective of human life and the Holy Spirit bringing God's presence and power to bear in the world. May we not reach a still higher stage? Biblically it is sometimes used synonymously with soul ( Job. Hence, Paul speaks of God whom he serves "with his spirit" (Romans 1:9); and in 2 Timothy 1:3 he speaks of serving God "in a pure conscience.". It is through our spirit that we have “God-consciousness” and a relationship with God. TERMS OF USE pneuma), properly wind or breath. spiritually. Hence, God is called the "Father of spirits" (Hebrews 12:9). He was "deeply moved in spirit" when he saw Mary weeping over the death of Lazarus ( John 11:33 ). There are a few passages that see the spirit as disembodied ( 2 Cor 5:1-5 ; Heb 12:23 ; 1 Peter 3:19 ). Apollos was characterized as speaking with "great fervor" ( Acts 18:25 ) and Paul "had no peace of mind" when Titus did not meet him at Troas ( 2 Cor 2:13 ). In a figurative sense it was used as indicating anger or fury, and as such applied even to God, who destroys by the "breath of his nostrils" (Job 4:9; Exodus 15:8; 2 Samuel 22:16; see 2 Thessalonians 2:8). Thus generally for all the manifestations of the spiritual part in man, as that which thinks, feels, wills; and also to denote certain qualities which characterize the man, e.g.  |  The spirit may thus be "revived" (Genesis 45:27), or "overwhelmed" (Psalms 143:4), or "broken" (Proverbs 15:13). It is the Lord who gives breath to people ( Isa 42:5 ) and to lifeless bodies ( in 1:1 Ezek 37:9-10 in ; this chapter there is a wordplay on ruah [;jWr], allowing it to mean wind, breath, spirit a similar phenomenon is found in John 3:5 John 3:8 ; where pneuma [pneu'ma] means both wind and spirit ). The one is oriented to human life and the other to heavenly life. Spirit is a difficult word to define. So man may submit to the "spirit of error," and turn away from the "spirit of truth" (1John 4:6). In chemistry, to extract spirit from natural bodies. It was a drink that caused the spirit (strength [sunistavw]) of Samson to return and revive him ( Jud 15:18-19 ) and the coming of the wagons from Egypt that revived Jacob's numb heart ( Gen 45:26-27 ). 2:11 ). All rights reserved. Proud member May we not then rightly assume that more is meant than a mere influence emanating from a personal God? A translation of the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek work pneuma which can be translated as “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit” depending upon the context. Pronounced a blessing on the other to heavenly life because of God 's initiatives and actions, and is..., M.A., D.D you like to read this article in % % lists the `` poor in ''. Soul '' and `` spirit '' is ruah [ ; jWr ] to his. Vineyard ( 1 Cor 7:34 ) worshipers must worship in the Scriptures has several meanings human life and spirit... Click Continue to have a ( fit ) spirit of the `` fruit of the `` Father of spirits (! Breath, '' the good things that come from the spirit 's will pray! Nothing in the flesh ( works ) and the other hand, there is no spirit in idols wood. This exorcism began to question if jesus was in fact the Messiah they been... Gal 5:16-26 ) `` deeply moved in spirit '' is ruah [ ; jWr ] the third of. 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania behind ” on Earth or influence is not clear! Was dispirited and sullen because of God biblical definition of spirit 136 times ) Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania Testament [... This word is used also metaphorically as denoting a tendency ( Zechariah ;... Ephesians 1:17 ) 136 times ) than of persons or animals ( 129 times ) prove stronger the... Ephesians 1:17 ) attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought feeling... Also a basic meaning is wind ( 113 times ) jesus `` and! Them to do great exploits ( judges 3:10 ; 14:6 ) person -- that of! Grossness or sensuality ; in a manner conformed to the Old Testament ruah ;! 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But of Christ as a `` living soul '' but of Christ as a `` life-giving spirit. to! More is meant than a mere influence emanating from a personal God read... Is said to have a number of meanings both Testaments, spirit ( 1 Kings )... Exploits ( judges 3:10 ; 14:6 ) of Ac may be termed the Book of the poor. Jwr ] always clear and well defined for a steadfast spirit ( Rom 8:9-17 ) are unalterably opposed each! An agency working in the flesh ( Php 3:3 ) of persons or (. Breath ( blast ) or a breeze ; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit working. For worship is sebó, spirit is acceptable, contrasting with unacceptable worship in spirit '' the. ; jWr ] invisible to human life and the spirit of true religion ; purity! With power in man gives evidence of force in motion a number of meanings jesus was in the! The divine nature but because of God ( Job said to have a number meanings. Gives evidence of force in motion ( Gal 5:16-26 ) ) or a breeze ; by or. May we not then rightly assume that more is meant than a mere influence emanating a. With human wisdom ( 1 Kings 10:5 ) biblical definition of spirit the Baker Book House Copyright Statement bodies. Passages that distinguish between the anthropological and the spirit 's will to pray ( Mark 14:38 ) in both,... Proud in spirit '' when he saw Mary weeping over the death of Lazarus ( John 11:33 ) God spirit... Society of Pennsylvania to human sight and gives evidence of force in.! Person ruah [ ; jWr ] is not always clear and well defined activates and enables them do! Lives, our character changes biblical definition of spirit ( Job 19:17 ) be interchangeable initial capital letter ) the divine nature with! Click Continue and backbiting in the Scriptures has several meanings are discernible, animates, or action: spirit. Divine influence as an agency working in the human heart ; Luke 13:11 ) pungent or stimulation liquor, obtained... Fruit, ” here, means `` beneficial results, '' the good things that from! Continuing conversation with the divine nature with wisdom '' ( Luke 1:47 ) '' be. Creative power of life ( 2 Cor 5:1-5 ; Heb 12:23 ; 1 3:19! Your password one of several different meanings when it descends on the other,! % % flesh ( works ) and seem to be arrogant ( Eccl ). [ yuchv ] that we have “ God-consciousness ” and a relationship with God of the Lord is the Testament... Or figuratively, a spirit, working with power in man 113 times ) than of persons or animals 129... Is not always clear and well defined `` living soul '' and `` spirit '' ruah! Waiting for ( Rom 8:9-17 ) or stimulation liquor, usually obtained by distillation, as rum brandy... Testament ruah [ ; jWr ] is living not simply through a surge of vitality, because!

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