In the Bible, the concept of "breath" is often used figuratively to convey deeper spiritual truths and realities. This figurative use of "breath" is rich with theological significance, symbolizing life, spirit, and the transient nature of human existence.

1. Breath as Life and Spirit: In Scripture, breath is frequently associated with life itself. In Genesis 2:7, God breathes into Adam's nostrils "the breath of life," and he becomes a living being. This act signifies the divine origin of life, emphasizing that human life is a gift from God. The breath of God is synonymous with His Spirit, as seen in Job 33:4, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Here, breath is equated with the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Breath as Transience: The Bible often uses breath to illustrate the fleeting nature of human life. In Psalm 39:5, David reflects, "You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." This metaphor underscores the brevity and fragility of human existence, reminding believers of their dependence on God.

3. Breath as Vanity and Futility: The book of Ecclesiastes frequently employs the imagery of breath to describe the vanity and futility of life apart from God. Ecclesiastes 1:14 states, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." The Hebrew word "hebel," often translated as "vanity," can also mean "breath" or "vapor," highlighting the ephemeral and elusive nature of worldly pursuits.

4. Breath as Divine Judgment: Breath is also used to depict the power and authority of God's judgment. In Isaiah 11:4, the coming Messiah is described: "He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips." This imagery portrays the breath of God as a force of divine justice, capable of executing judgment with mere words.

5. Breath as Inspiration and Revelation: The breath of God is associated with divine inspiration and the revelation of His will. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The term "God-breathed" (theopneustos) signifies that Scripture is inspired by the Spirit of God, carrying His authority and truth.

6. Breath as Renewal and Empowerment: In the New Testament, breath symbolizes the renewal and empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit. In John 20:22, after His resurrection, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the impartation of spiritual life and power, equipping the disciples for their mission.

The figurative use of "breath" in the Bible serves as a profound reminder of the divine source of life, the transient nature of human existence, and the transformative power of God's Spirit. Through these varied images, Scripture invites believers to recognize their dependence on God and to seek the eternal life offered through His Spirit.Ezekiel 37:9
Then said he to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus said the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.
Nave's Topical Index

5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ...
... of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative
sense (bodily or mental) -- any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X ...
/hebrew/5315.htm - 7k

victor Apparently Gives the Creative Breath to Man Also.
... of life whereby man became a living soul, and the latter breathed a breath which
was not itself sentient nor endued with life, but was figurative for the sake ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 v victor apparently gives.htm

The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life
... So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived ...
say that their bones were dried up, and they cut off, is a figurative one, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dry bones and the.htm

Other Passages Out of the Prophets Applied to the Resurrection of ...
... enough seem to have consoled their figurative despair with a figurative promise ...
reinvesting those osseous remains with bodily substance and vital breath, and of ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxxi other passages out of.htm

Ezekiel's vision of the Dry Bones Quoted.
... Inasmuch, then, as even the figurative portions of Scripture, and the arguments
of facts ... the Lord God to these bones, Behold, I bring upon you the breath of life ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxix ezekiels vision of the.htm

Chapter vii
... need such a conception, pressed out of the literal understanding of figurative language,
be ... wings; of every sort of flesh which had in it the breath of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vii.htm

Chapter ii
... outlines or by the basic thoughts which are here expressed in terms highly figurative? ...
the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ii.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... There is a "still small voice" amid the long-drawn breath of the tempest ... us too many
positive statements on the subject to permit a figurative interpretation. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

This vision Interpreted by Tertullian of the Resurrection of the ...
... literal condition; and therefore (they contend) that there is here a figurative,
not a ... bones are destined to have a rehabiliment of flesh and breath, such as ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxx this vision interpreted by.htm

Spiritual Epileptics.
... but about the passage before us, let us, adopting a figurative interpretation, consider
who ... them down from the sphere where they appeared to breath freely, so ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/4 spiritual epileptics.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... [94] It is true a figurative meaning has been applied to it, as to all ... Here is an
affluent citizen, on whose fair fame the breath of scandal can affix no blot. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

What is the breath of life? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Hebrew word ruach? | GotQuestions.org

What is the human spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Breath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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