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G4152 · Greek · New Testament
πνευματικός
pneumatikos
Adjective
spiritual, pertaining to the Spirit

Definition

Pertaining to the Spirit (of God), spiritual as opposed to natural or fleshly. Pneumatikos describes things, persons, and realities that belong to or are empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is Paul's key adjective for the new life in Christ versus the old life in the flesh.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul contrasts the pneumatikos person (Spirit-led) with the psychikos person (natural, unspiritual) in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15. Spiritual gifts, spiritual songs, spiritual blessings — all are empowered by the Spirit. The pneumatikos body of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:44) is not immaterial but Spirit-animated. 'Spiritual' in the NT always points to the Holy Spirit's activity, not to vague mysticism.

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit... The spiritual person judges all things.
1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.
Ephesians 1:3 Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters.
Colossians 3:16 Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Related Words

External Resources

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