Spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Breath, wind, or spirit — the immaterial, divine dimension of life.
Pneuma is the Greek word for spirit, meaning breath, wind, or the immaterial essence. It refers to both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit — the part of a person that connects with God.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." — John 4:24 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”Read in context
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”Read in context
Galatians 5:16
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G4151 — Spirit (πνεῦμα (pneuma))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where πνεῦμα (pneuma) appears.
Open Strong's G4151Etymology and Original Meaning
Pneuma derives from the Greek verb pneō, meaning 'to blow' or 'to breathe.' Like the Hebrew ruach, it can mean wind, breath, or spirit depending on context. This triple meaning beautifully captures the invisible, powerful, life-giving nature of the Spirit — unseen like wind, essential like breath, and divine in nature.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, active from creation ('the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters,' Genesis 1:2) to Pentecost and beyond. He convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, produces spiritual fruit, and empowers for service. Jesus called Him 'the Comforter' (John 14:26).
The Human Spirit
Humans possess a spirit — the deepest dimension of personhood that connects with God. Romans 8:16 describes the Holy Spirit bearing witness with the believer's spirit. The human spirit is where regeneration occurs (John 3:6), where worship happens (John 4:24), and where God's presence is most intimately experienced.
Walking in the Spirit
Paul contrasts walking in the Spirit with gratifying the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). Spirit-led living produces love, joy, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit. It involves yielding to the Spirit's guidance, being sensitive to His promptings, and depending on His power rather than one's own strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does spirit mean in the Bible?
Spirit (pneuma) means breath, wind, or the immaterial essence of life. It refers to both the Holy Spirit — the third person of the Trinity — and the human spirit that connects with God.
What is the difference between soul and spirit?
While sometimes used interchangeably, the Bible distinguishes them. The soul (psychē) encompasses mind, emotions, and will. The spirit (pneuma) is the deepest part of a person, designed for communion with God (Hebrews 4:12).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Spirit"?
John 4:24 — "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:16.
Why does the Greek word behind "Spirit" matter?
Pneuma derives from the Greek verb pneō, meaning 'to blow' or 'to breathe.' Like the Hebrew ruach, it can mean wind, breath, or spirit depending on context. English uses one word, "Spirit", where the Greek πνεῦμα (pneuma) carries the fuller sense: breath, wind, or spirit — the immaterial, divine dimension of life.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Spirit (πνεῦμα (pneuma))
Breath, wind, or spirit — the immaterial, divine dimension of life.
Strong's G4151 — Spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma) • Breath, wind, or spirit — the immaterial, divine dimension of life.
Pneumatology (πνεῦμα (pneuma))
The study of the Holy Spirit — His person, work, and gifts.
Strong's G4043 — Walk (Peripateō)
περιπατέω (peripateō) • To walk around, to conduct one's life — the habitual pattern of daily living.
Biblical Meaning of the Sea in a Dream (KJV)
Nations, chaos, or Christ walking on your storm.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
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