☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G4151 · Greek · New Testament
πνεῦμα
pneuma
Noun, neuter
spirit, breath, wind

Definition

A word of remarkable range: wind, breath, the human spirit, an evil spirit, or — most significantly — the Holy Spirit of God. 379 times. Like Hebrew ruach, the same word covers the invisible, dynamic, life-giving force in multiple contexts.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus plays on the double meaning with Nicodemus (John 3:8). The Spirit is God's active presence — creating, empowering (Acts 1:8), transforming (2 Corinthians 3:18), and guiding (Romans 8:14). Paul's theology: the Spirit indwells believers, produces fruit, distributes gifts, and guarantees resurrection.

Key Bible Verses

John 3:8 The wind [pneuma] blows wherever it pleases... So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit [pneuma] comes on you.
Romans 8:14 Those led by the Spirit [pneuma] of God are children of God.
Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit [pneuma] is love, joy, peace...
2 Corinthians 3:17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Word Study

The Spirit is personal (can be grieved — Ephesians 4:30), divine (lying to the Spirit is lying to God — Acts 5:3–4), and active (intercedes for believers — Romans 8:26). The Filioque controversy (does the Spirit proceed from Father alone or Father and Son?) divided Eastern and Western Christianity.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️