The Hebrew verb naphach means to blow, breathe, or puff. It describes the act of blowing air, whether in the context of kindling a fire, blowing a bellows, or the divine act of breathing life. The word conveys a forceful expulsion of breath or air.
Naphach is theologically significant in describing God's creative and destructive acts through breath. God breathes life into man (Genesis 2:7 uses the related naphach concept), and His breath can also bring judgment, as when He blows upon the wicked to scatter them. The word highlights divine sovereignty over life and death.