Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4800 Natural and supernatural phenomena  »  4804 breath

The imagery of breath is often used to convey spiritual essence and power, unseen except in its effects, including aspects of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The main Hebrew and Greek words translated as “breath” in the NIV are also translated as “spirit” and “wind”.

The breath of life

Life imparted by God

Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25 See also Genesis 1:30; Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:15,22; Job 27:3; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 57:16; Jeremiah 38:16; Revelation 11:11

Life recalled by his sovereign will

Ecclesiastes 12:7 See also 1 Kings 17:17; Job 34:14-15; Psalm 104:29; Isaiah 40:7

The breath of God

An emblem of the Holy Spirit

John 20:21-22 See also Ezekiel 37:5,14

God's creative breath

Psalm 33:6 See also Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Job 33:4

God's enlightening breath

Job 32:8 See also John 14:26; John 16:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21

God's regenerating breath

Ezekiel 37:4-14 See also John 3:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; Titus 3:5

God's empowering breath

Acts 2:1-4 See also Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 61:1; Joel 2:28-29; John 20:21-22; Acts 1:8

God's destroying breath

2 Thessalonians 2:8 See also Exodus 15:10; 2 Samuel 22:16 pp Psalm 18:15; Job 4:9; Job 15:30; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 30:28,33; Isaiah 40:24; Isaiah 59:19; Ezekiel 21:31

See also

1305  God, activity of
3030  Holy Spirit, power
3120  Holy Spirit, descriptions
3230  Holy Spirit & regeneration
3239  Holy Spirit, anointing
3242  Holy Spirit, baptism with
3266  Holy Spirit in creation
3281  Holy Spirit, inspiration
3290  Holy Spirit, life-giver
4015  life
4860  wind
5062  spirit