The term "breatheth" is an archaic form of the verb "breathe," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing life, spirit, and the divine breath of God. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of breathing is closely associated with the life-giving power of God and the spiritual vitality imparted to humanity.

Creation and the Breath of Life

The foundational reference to breathing in the Bible is found in the account of creation. In Genesis 2:7 , it is written: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This passage highlights the intimate act of God imparting life to humanity, distinguishing humans from other creatures by the divine breath that animates them. The breath of life signifies not only physical existence but also the spiritual essence that connects humanity to God.

Breath as a Metaphor for Spirit

In the Scriptures, breath is often used metaphorically to represent the spirit or the inner life of a person. Job 33:4 states, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Here, the breath of God is equated with the Spirit, emphasizing the sustaining and life-giving presence of God within individuals. This connection between breath and spirit underscores the belief that life itself is a gift from God, maintained by His continual presence.

Divine Judgment and Breath

The Bible also uses the concept of breath in the context of divine judgment. In Isaiah 11:4 , it is prophesied concerning the Messiah: "But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips." Here, the breath of the Messiah is depicted as a powerful force of judgment, illustrating the authority and righteousness of God's Word.

Human Frailty and Breath

The transient nature of human life is often compared to breath in the Scriptures, emphasizing human frailty and dependence on God. Psalm 144:4 declares, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." This imagery serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the need for reliance on the eternal God. The fleeting nature of breath underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's will and purpose.

The Breath of God in Renewal

In the New Testament, the breath of God is associated with spiritual renewal and empowerment. In John 20:22 , after His resurrection, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the impartation of the Holy Spirit, equipping the disciples for their mission and symbolizing the new life and power available to believers through Christ.

Throughout the Bible, the concept of breath serves as a profound symbol of life, spirit, and divine interaction with humanity. It reflects the sustaining power of God, the transience of human existence, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Of the Trinity and a Christian
... comprehend with all saints, is a great work; enough to crush the spirit, and to
stretch the strings of the most capacious, widened soul that breatheth on this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/of the trinity and a.htm

Preface to the Present Edition.
... of perfection, in the way along which Almighty God has called and led souls that
have been highly privileged; and the Holy Spirit, who breatheth where He will ...
/.../preface to the present edition.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... with all saints, is a great work; enough to crush the spirit, and to stretch the
strings of the most capacious and widened soul that breatheth on this side ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in his Death.
... life (Genesis 49. His blessed soul breatheth nothing but blessings, and
such speeches as savour a sanctified spirit. As his outward ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/2 meditations of the blessed.htm

Out of this Transcendent Eternal Nature, which is as Universal and ...
... finite, bounded forms of the heavenly fire, and light of eternal nature, into which
creaturely beings the invisible triune God breatheth his invisible Spirit ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-43 out of this transcendent.htm

Here Now You have the Test of Truth, by which You May Always Know. ...
... If your zeal is after this pure, free, universal goodness of God, then of a truth
the Spirit of God breatheth in you; but if you feel not the love of this pure ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-10 here now you have.htm

The Holy Spirit is no Less the Author of Spiritual Creation or ...
... The Spirit breatheth [1087] where He willeth, and thou hearest His voice, but knowest
not whence He cometh or whither He goeth, so is every one who is born of ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii the holy spirit 2.htm

March the Eleventh Good and Bad Roads
... stubble," How can it stand? "The Spirit of the Lord breatheth upon it," and
it is surely brought to nought. All the forces of holiness ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/march the eleventh good and.htm

Saints' Days, Fasts, and Festivals.
... Think of the Holy Spirit as a Person having a will of His own, who breatheth whither
He listeth, and cannot be confined to any feelings or rules of yours or of ...
/.../kingsley/daily thoughts /saints days fasts & festivals 6.htm

The Divinity of the Holy Spirit is Supported by a Passage of St. . ...
... The Spirit breatheth where He listeth, and thou hearest His voice, but knowest not
whence He cometh or whither He goeth, so is every one who is born of the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x the divinity of.htm

Breatheth (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Breatheth (8 Occurrences). Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah
God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, and breatheth...
/b/breatheth.htm - 8k

Breathes (6 Occurrences)
... Hallelujah. (See RSV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that breatheth out
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (See RSV). ...
/b/breathes.htm - 7k

Breathing (25 Occurrences)

/b/breathing.htm - 17k

Utters (26 Occurrences)
... He who utters a slander is a fool. (WEB RSV). Proverbs 12:17 He that breatheth forth
truth uttereth righteousness; but a false witness deceit. (See RSV). ...
/u/utters.htm - 13k

Formeth (11 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, and breatheth
into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature. ...
/f/formeth.htm - 9k

Tarries (2 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:3 For yet the vision 'is' for a season, And it breatheth for the end,
and doth not lie, If it tarry, wait for it, For surely it cometh, it is not ...
/t/tarries.htm - 7k

Dissension (18 Occurrences)
... discord. (See NIV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that breatheth out lies, and
he that soweth discord among brethren. (See NIV). Proverbs ...
/d/dissension.htm - 11k

Perisheth (15 Occurrences)
... perisheth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 19:9 A false witness is not
acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth. (YLT). ...
/p/perisheth.htm - 10k

Becometh (82 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, and breatheth
into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature. ...
/b/becometh.htm - 30k

Breathe (17 Occurrences)
... Praise ye Jah! (YLT RSV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that breatheth out lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Root in JPS YLT RSV). ...
/b/breathe.htm - 15k

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