What is the Spirit?

The term “Spirit” in the Bible is a translation of the Hebrew word ruach (רוּחַ – Strong’s H7307) and the Greek word pneuma (πνεῦμα – Strong’s G4151). Both words convey the idea of wind, breath, or invisible force, and they are used in Scripture to describe the immaterial aspect of existence—whether it be God’s Spirit, the human spirit, angelic beings, or life itself.

In Christian doctrine, the “Spirit” most often refers to the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the divine presence actively at work in creation, inspiration of Scripture, the regeneration of believers, and the ongoing sanctification of the Church.

Hebrew and Greek Terms

• Ruach (רוּחַ) – Strong’s H7307
  Meaning: breath, wind, spirit.
  Used in contexts of physical wind, human emotion, mind, or the Spirit of God.
  Example:
  
  “The Spirit of God (ר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים) was hovering over the waters.” – Genesis 1:2

• Pneuma (πνεῦμα) – Strong’s G4151
  Meaning: spirit, wind, breath.
  Used for the Holy Spirit, human spirits, demonic spirits, or angels.
  Example:
  
  “God is spirit (πνεῦμα), and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24

The Spirit of God in Scripture

• Creator Spirit:
  
  “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath (ruach) of his mouth.” – Psalm 33:6

• Empowering Spirit:
  
  “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon.” – Judges 6:34
  

• Prophetic Inspiration:
  
  “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” – 2 Samuel 23:2

• Spirit of Judgment and Renewal:
  
  “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.” – Ezekiel 36:27

The Holy Spirit in Christian Theology

• Personhood: The Spirit is not an impersonal force but a Person who teaches (John 14:26), speaks (Acts 13:2), grieves (Ephesians 4:30), and loves (Romans 15:30).

• Divinity: The Spirit is fully divine, as seen in the Trinitarian formula:
  
  “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19

• Indwelling Presence:
  
  “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

• Gift-Giver and Guide:
  
  “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4

The Spirit and Jesus Christ

• Conceived by the Spirit:
  
  “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” – Luke 1:35

• Baptized and Empowered by the Spirit:
  
  “The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.” – Luke 3:22

• Led and Anointed:
  
  “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” – Luke 4:1

• Giver of the Spirit:
  
  “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” – John 20:22

The Spirit’s Work in Believers

• Convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment – John 16:8

• Regenerates and renews – Titus 3:5

• Empowers for service and witness – Acts 1:8

• Intercedes in prayer – Romans 8:26

• Produces spiritual fruit – Galatians 5:22-23

• Unifies the Church – Ephesians 4:3-4

Historical and Theological Development

• Old Testament: The Spirit is primarily portrayed as God’s power or presence, occasionally personified (Isaiah 63:10).

• New Testament and Early Church: The Spirit is clearly revealed as divine and personal. Church councils like Nicaea (325 A.D.) and Constantinople (381 A.D.) clarified Trinitarian theology, affirming the Spirit’s deity and personhood.

• Reformation: Reformers emphasized the Spirit’s role in illumination of Scripture and assurance of salvation.

• Modern Theology: Greater emphasis has been placed on the Spirit’s role in missions, spiritual gifts, and renewal movements.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Creation and Life: The Spirit is the source of all life (Job 33:4).

• Prophecy and Revelation: He reveals God’s truth (2 Peter 1:21).

• Sanctification and Power: He makes believers holy and equips them for godly living (Romans 8:13-14).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

• We are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14).

• The Spirit leads, teaches, convicts, and strengthens us in daily walk with Christ.

• Through Him, we experience God’s love poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5).

Connection to God’s Love

The Holy Spirit is the divine expression of God’s nearness and compassion. He comforts us in our weakness, assures us of our adoption as children of God (Romans 8:15-16), and conforms us to the likeness of Christ. His indwelling is the evidence that God has not left us alone.

Connection to Jesus Christ

Jesus was conceived, empowered, and raised by the Spirit (Romans 8:11). He promised the Spirit to continue His presence among believers. The Spirit points us back to Jesus in every way (John 15:26), reminding us of His words and revealing His glory.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• What does it mean that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

• How does the Holy Spirit help you understand God’s Word?

• In what ways can you cultivate a closer walk with the Spirit each day?

• Are you open to the Spirit’s conviction, leading, and comfort in your life?

• How have you seen the fruit of the Spirit grow in your life over time?

• How does the Spirit’s presence assure you of God’s love and your identity in Christ?

• What spiritual gift has the Holy Spirit given you for building up others?

• How can you recognize and resist quenching or grieving the Spirit?

• What does it mean to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16)?

• How can your life reflect the power and holiness of the Spirit to others?