Topical Bible: Man: Quickened by the Breath of God

◄ Man: Quickened by the Breath of God ►

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The concept of man being quickened by the breath of God is rooted in the creation narrative found in the Book of Genesis. This divine act signifies the unique relationship between God and humanity, highlighting the spiritual and physical dimensions of human life.

Creation of Man

In Genesis 2:7 , the Scripture states, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This verse underscores the intimate act of God breathing life into man, distinguishing him from all other creatures. The Hebrew word for "breath" here is "neshamah," which conveys the idea of a life-giving force, emphasizing the direct impartation of life from God to man.

The Image of God

The quickening of man by God's breath is intrinsically linked to the concept of the Imago Dei, or the image of God, as described in Genesis 1:26-27 : "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness... So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.'" This divine image is not merely a physical resemblance but encompasses spiritual, moral, and intellectual capacities, setting humanity apart with a unique purpose and destiny.

Spiritual Significance

The breath of God not only animates the physical body but also signifies the impartation of a spiritual nature. Job 32:8 states, "But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding." This verse highlights the role of God's breath in endowing humans with wisdom and understanding, essential attributes for fulfilling their God-given roles on earth.

The Fall and Redemption

The quickening breath of God also plays a role in the narrative of the Fall and subsequent redemption. While sin brought spiritual death and separation from God, the promise of restoration is found in the work of Jesus Christ. In John 20:22 , after His resurrection, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act symbolizes the renewal and restoration of spiritual life, echoing the original quickening of man.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, often associated with the breath or wind of God, continues the work of quickening believers. Romans 8:11 declares, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit revitalizes and empowers believers, ensuring their spiritual vitality and eternal life.

Eternal Implications

The quickening by God's breath has eternal implications, as it points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:45 contrasts the first Adam, who became a living being, with the last Adam, Christ, who became a life-giving spirit. This transformation through Christ assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal communion with God.

In summary, the quickening of man by the breath of God is a profound theological truth that underscores the unique creation, purpose, and destiny of humanity. It highlights the spiritual life imparted by God, the impact of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ, culminating in the hope of eternal life through the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 7:22
All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 33:4
The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How we must Understand that Breathing of God by which "The First ...
... the words, "God breathed into Adam's nostrils the breath of life ... soul was not then
first given to man, but that the soul already given was quickened by the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 how we must understand.htm

The Creaturely Man.
... into existence at the moment when the breath of life ... Sinful man being born from above
receives gifts that are ... Holy Spirit merely dwells in the quickened sinner ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vii the creaturely man.htm

Of the Difference Between Life and Death; of the Breath of Life ...
... one thing which dies and another which is quickened, as neither ... the same, too, which
had lost the breath of life ... same Epistle, "Cast ye off the old man with his ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii of the difference between.htm

What we are to Understand by the Animal and Spiritual Body; or of ...
... to be spirits and not bodies,"which, being quickened by the ... Scripture did not say
of the first man Adam, when his soul was created by the breath of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what we are to 2.htm

Come from the Four Winds, O Breath!
... what is wanted is that they shall be quickened; and we ... Most High; the wit and wisdom
of man are altogether ... may preach till we have not another breath left, but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/come from the four winds.htm

A Whitsun Sermon
... of it in a figure"as the breath, the Spirit ... a sacred place, full of God's presence,
shaped, quickened, and guided ... blue sky, and in the mind of man: A motion ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xix a whitsun sermon.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... Christ with us, when he joined the breath of heaven ... Because she was taken out of
man," and, therefore ... one spirit," because he is animated and quickened by one ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv if so be.htm

The Resurrection
... put to death in the flesh; but quickened, that is ... Well, just think, if a man's own
spirit, when it ... and everlasting paradise-fruit, beneath the breath of God's ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xvii the resurrection.htm

The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life
... the widespread deadness must enter into a man's spirit, and ... A dead world is not to
be quickened on easy ... may be punctiliously proper, and have no breath of life ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dry bones and the.htm

Ode iii.
... Without a human sire, made Man: Unto Him, this glorious morn,. ... Holy art Thou, LORD!
The earthly Adam, erewhile quickened. By the blest breath of GOD on high,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/ode iii 3.htm