Words for the Holy Spirit Ruach

“Ruach is Hebrew for “spirit” or “breath.” It is most commonly used in reference to breathing or wind. It is also, however, used in reference to the Spirit of God in several instances: Genesis 1:2, “And the Spirit [Ruach] of God moved upon the face of the waters”; Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit [Ruach nadybaa]”; and Isaiah 63:10–11, “But they reveled and grieved His Holy Spirit [Ruach Qaadashow]…Where is He who put His Holy Spirit [Ruach Qaadashow] within them.”

PNEUMA
Pneuma is Greek for “spirit,” “wind,” or “breath.” Like ruach, it is commonly used in reference breath or wind. It is also consistently used for the Holy Spirit, however, in many passages, including Matthew 1:18; 4:1; 10:20; 12:32;22:43; 28:19; John 14:17; Acts 5:9; 8:39; 16:7; Romans 8:2, 9, 11, 15; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 3:3,18; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Philippians 1:19; Hebrews 9:14; 10:29; 1 Peter 4:14

THE ETERNALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ISAIAH

St. Irenaeus explains the difference between the Prophet Isaiah’s use of ruach for the Holy Spirit, and the standard use of ruach for “breath:” “He attributes the Spirit as unique to God, whom in the last times He pours forth upon the human race by the adoption of sons. But that breath [of life] was common throughout the creation, and he points it out as something created. Now that which has been made is a different thing from the one who makes it. The breath, then, is temporal, but the Spirit is eternal.”

For example, when Christ foretells the coming of the Holy Spirit, He states, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13–14).This passage displays a second proof for the Personality of the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit engages in tasks that only a person can perform.

Christ states that the Holy Spirit will guide, speak, tell, glorify, take, and declare. In addition to performing tasks, the Holy Spirit can also feel personal emotions, for our sins grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).The most significant proof that the Holy Spirit is a Person is the fact that we can have a relationship with Him. St. Paul’s benediction to the Corinthians extols “the communion of the Holy Spirit.” To have communion with someone is to engage in an intimate relationship with that person. Such communion would be impossible if the Holy Spirit were merely an essence or energy.”

Words for the Holy Spirit Ruach
http://www.orthodoxstudies.org/bible/pdf/fruit/fruit1.pdf


 

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