The Difference Between pneuma and ruach

pneuma (Greek, G4151) means "ghost" and ruach (Hebrew, H7307) means "air" — two words from different Testaments that address the same biblical theme. Comparing them shows how the Old and New Testaments speak with one consistent voice on this subject.

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πνεῦμα vs רוּחַ

pneuma and ruach

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See how pneuma (πνεῦμα) and ruach (רוּחַ) compare → https://lemmalink.com/compare/G4151/H7307

πνεῦμα

a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, th

G4151

Exegetical Meaning

a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit | Etymology: from G4154 (πνέω); | KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

ghostlifespiritmind

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

  • The Holy Spirit's Active Presence

רוּחַ

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)

H7307

Exegetical Meaning

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions) | Etymology: from H7306 (רוּחַ); | KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y).

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

airangerblastbreathcoolcouragemindquarter

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

  • Spirit Over the Waters
  • Spirit Restoring the Dead
  • Spirit Empowering God's Servants