Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "gas" as understood in modern scientific terms does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the concept of gases, such as air and breath, is implicitly present in various passages, often symbolizing life, spirit, and divine action.Breath and Spirit The Hebrew word "ruach" and the Greek word "pneuma" are often translated as "spirit," "wind," or "breath," and can be understood as referring to gaseous elements. 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." Here, the "breath of life" can be seen as a divine impartation of life, symbolized by the act of breathing, which involves air, a gaseous substance. Similarly, in Ezekiel 37:9-10 , the prophet is commanded to prophesy to the breath: "Then He said to me, 'Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live.' So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army." This passage uses the imagery of breath and wind to depict the life-giving power of God's Spirit. Wind as a Symbol of Divine Action The wind, another form of gas, is frequently used in the Bible to symbolize God's power and presence. In Exodus 14:21 , during the parting of the Red Sea, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land." The wind here is an instrument of divine intervention, demonstrating God's control over nature. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is likened to the wind in John 3:8 : "The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." This analogy highlights the mysterious and sovereign work of the Spirit, akin to the unpredictable movement of the wind. Fire and Smoke While not gases in the strictest sense, fire and smoke are often associated with gaseous phenomena and are significant in biblical narratives. In Exodus 19:18 , Mount Sinai is described: "Now Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." The smoke and fire signify God's holy presence and power. Incense and Offerings The burning of incense, which produces smoke, is a recurring theme in the worship practices of Israel. In Revelation 8:4 , the imagery of incense is used to represent the prayers of the saints: "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." This symbolizes the ascent of prayers to God, facilitated by the fragrant smoke. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention gases as understood in contemporary science, the elements of breath, wind, smoke, and fire serve as powerful symbols of life, spirit, and divine presence throughout the Scriptures. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An aeriform fluid; -- a term used at first by chemists as synonymous with air, but since restricted to fluids supposed to be permanently elastic, as oxygen, hydrogen, etc., in distinction from vapors, as steam, which become liquid on a reduction of temperature. In present usage, since all of the supposed permanent gases have been liquefied by cold and pressure, the term has resumed nearly its original signification, and is applied to any substance in the elastic or aeriform state.2. (n.) A complex mixture of gases, of which the most important constituents are marsh gas, olefiant gas, and hydrogen, artificially produced by the destructive distillation of gas coal, or sometimes of peat, wood, oil, resin, etc. It gives a brilliant light when burned, and is the common gas used for illuminating purposes. 3. (n.) Laughing gas. 4. (n.) Any irrespirable aeriform fluid. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GASgas (Gas): Greek 541. apaugasma -- radiance ... radiance. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: apaugasma Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ow'-gas-mah) Short Definition: a light flashing forth, radiation, gleam ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/541.htm - 7k 2039. ergasia -- work (noun) 1064. gaster -- the belly Strong's Hebrew 5065. nagas -- to press, drive, oppress, exact... nagas. 5066 . to press, drive, oppress, exact. Transliteration: nagas Phonetic Spelling: (naw-gas') Short Definition: taskmasters. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5065.htm - 6k Library Suffocated Trees Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer The Parable of the Leaven. The Faculty of Faith. February 10. "I am Crucified with Christ; Nevertheless I Live" ... Nouns, 1-14 December the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane Our Death. An Address to the Man who is Down A Voice from the Hartley Colliery Thesaurus Gas... 2. (n.) A complex mixture of gases, of which the most important constituents are marsh gas, olefiant gas, and hydrogen, artificially produced by the ... /g/gas.htm - 7k Windy (3 Occurrences) Whistle (3 Occurrences) Inflated (1 Occurrence) Flame (61 Occurrences) Retort (1 Occurrence) Pits (13 Occurrences) Slime (6 Occurrences) Garrisons (6 Occurrences) Volume (4 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view climate change? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some popular illustrations of the Holy Trinity? | GotQuestions.org What is gaslighting? | GotQuestions.org Gas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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