Spirit
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A linguistic term derived from the Hebrew 'ruah' and Greek 'pneuma', denoting wind, breath, or vital force. It represents the animating principle of life in ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic thought.
What is the meaning of Spirit in the Bible?
A linguistic term derived from the Hebrew 'ruah' and Greek 'pneuma', denoting wind, breath, or vital force. It represents the animating principle of life in ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic thought.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between these linguistic roots is essential for understanding the transition from physical breath to metaphysical concepts in biblical literature. It clarifies the distinction between natural phenomena and divine agency in ancient texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Spirit in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Spirit clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.