Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Breath of God" is a profound and multifaceted theme found throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's life-giving power, His creative force, and His sustaining presence. The Hebrew word often translated as "breath" is "ruach," which can also mean "spirit" or "wind," and the Greek equivalent is "pneuma." These terms are used interchangeably in various contexts to convey the dynamic and life-sustaining nature of God's presence.Creation and Life: The Breath of God is first introduced in the creation narrative. 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 God is depicted as the divine force that transforms lifeless matter into a living soul, underscoring the intimate connection between God and humanity. Sustaining Power: The Breath of God is not only a creative force but also a sustaining one. Job 33:4 states, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." This verse highlights the ongoing dependence of all living beings on God's breath for their existence and vitality. Similarly, in Psalm 104:29-30 , the psalmist acknowledges, "When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth." Prophetic Inspiration: The Breath of God is also associated with prophetic inspiration and revelation. 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 illustrates the power of God's breath to bring spiritual and physical renewal, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the Breath of God is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In John 20:22 , after His resurrection, Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit to His disciples: "When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" This act signifies the impartation of divine life and empowerment for the mission of the Church. The Holy Spirit, as the Breath of God, continues to be the source of spiritual life and guidance for believers. Judgment and Power: The Breath of God is also depicted as an instrument of judgment and divine power. In Isaiah 11:4 , it is prophesied concerning the Messiah, "He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips." This imagery conveys the authority and power of God's word, executed through His breath, to bring about justice and righteousness. Throughout Scripture, the Breath of God is a symbol of His intimate involvement with creation, His sustaining presence, and His transformative power. It serves as a reminder of the life-giving and renewing work of God in the world and in the lives of His people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 22:16And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils. Nave's Topical Index Job 4:9 Job 15:30 Job 33:4 Job 37:10 Psalm 18:15 Psalm 33:6 Isaiah 30:33 Greek 2315. theopneustos -- God-breathed, ie inspired by God ... believers" (C. Spicq, 2, 193). [ (2315 ) relates directly to God's (Gk ) which can also be translated "breath."]. 2 Tim 3:16: "Each ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2315.htm - 8k 5590. psuche -- breath, the soul 4151. pneuma -- wind, spirit Library The Breath of God Confirmation 380. Breathe on Me, Breath of God A Talk About the Breath of God. That There Is, Then, a Word of God, and a Breath of God... The Early Eden Picture. Another Cavil Answered, IE , the Fall Imputable to God, Because ... How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by ... God Giving Himself. For the Soul of Every Man is the Breath and Life of the Triune God ... The Creaturely Man. Resources Why did God make man out of the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the origin of man? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Breath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |