Unbreathing
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The term "unbreathing" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of biblical themes related to life, death, and the nature of idols. In Scripture, breath is often synonymous with life, as seen in the creation account where God breathes life into Adam (Genesis 2:7: "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"). Thus, "unbreathing" can be associated with lifelessness or death.

Idols and Lifelessness

The concept of "unbreathing" is particularly relevant in discussions about idols. The Bible frequently contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, emphasizing that idols are "unbreathing" and therefore powerless. In Jeremiah 10:14-15 , it is written: "Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish." This passage highlights the futility of worshiping objects that cannot breathe or impart life.

Similarly, Psalm 135:15-17 states: "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths." These verses underscore the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the living God who actively engages with His creation.

Life and the Breath of God

In contrast to the "unbreathing" nature of idols, the breath of God is a source of life and vitality. Job 33:4 declares, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." This verse affirms that life itself is a gift from God, sustained by His breath. The breath of God is not only a physical sustenance but also a spiritual one, as seen in the New Testament when Jesus breathes on His disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit (John 20:22: "When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'").

Death and the Absence of Breath

The absence of breath signifies death, as seen in various biblical accounts. In Ecclesiastes 12:7 , it is written, "Then the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." This reflects the belief that life departs with the breath, returning to God. The cessation of breath marks the end of earthly life, as illustrated in the death of Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46: "Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.' And when He had said this, He breathed His last.").

Spiritual Implications

The concept of "unbreathing" also carries spiritual implications. In Ephesians 2:1 , Paul writes, "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins," indicating a state of spiritual death apart from Christ. This spiritual lifelessness is overcome through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, who breathes new life into believers, making them spiritually alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5: "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!").
Library

Now the Details of the Life of Him who Has Chosen to Live in Such. ...
... Any theory divorced from living examples, however admirably it may be dressed out,
is like the unbreathing statue, with its show of a blooming complexion ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxiii now the details.htm

LM Moore. The Spirit of God Moved Upon the Waters.
... 3 Till David touched his sacred lyre, In silence lay the unbreathing wire, But when
he swept its chords along, E'en angels stooped to hear the song. ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/510 l m moore the.htm

Breathings of Grace.
... 3 Till David touched his sacred lyre, In silence lay the unbreathing wire; But when
he swept its chords along, E'en angels stooped to hear the song. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/426 breathings of grace.htm

Thesaurus
Unbreathing (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unbreathing (1 Occurrence). Habakkuk 2:19 A curse on
him who says to the wood, Awake! to the unbreathing stone, Up! ...
/u/unbreathing.htm - 6k

Unbridled (4 Occurrences)

/u/unbridled.htm - 7k

Unbound (2 Occurrences)

/u/unbound.htm - 7k

Plated (29 Occurrences)
... gone! (See NAS RSV). Habakkuk 2:19 A curse on him who says to the wood, Awake!
to the unbreathing stone, Up! let it be a teacher! See ...
/p/plated.htm - 14k

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