רוּחַ

Meaning:

Wind

Breath

Spirit

Noun. Occurs about 380 times in the Old Testament.

The word רוּחַ (ruach) is a richly layered term with several interconnected meanings depending on context. It is one of the most theologically significant words in Scripture.

The root idea is movement of air, which naturally extends into several related senses:

Wind – a literal breeze or storm (e.g., “wind of the sea” in

Breath – the animating force in living beings (e.g., “the breath of life” in ).

Spirit – an invisible, life-giving, and personal force—whether human, angelic, or divine

So רוּחַ can refer to anything from a physical wind to the spiritual presence of God. The same Hebrew word thus bridges the natural and the supernatural—the air that moves the trees and the Spirit that moves hearts.

Human Beings and רוּחַ

When applied to people, ruach refers to the inner life or disposition:

- Pharaoh’s spirit was troubled

- A person who controls his spirit is better than one who conquers a city

- The spirit returns to God who gave it.

Here, spirit represents the non-material aspect of humans, their emotions, thoughts, and will.

God and רוּחַ

The Spirit of the Lord (רוּחַ יְהוָה) is profoundly important:

- “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

The Spirit of the LORD empowers prophets, judges, and kings, e.g.

In God promises, “I will put My Spirit within you.”

Here רוּחַ expresses God’s dynamic, personal presence and power - His life-giving energy that creates, inspires, and renews.

Greek Connections - the LXX and New Testament

In the Greek Septuagint, רוּחַ is usually translated as πνεῦμα, carrying the same range of meanings: wind, breath, spirit. This continuity explains why in the New Testament, πνεῦμα is used for both the Holy Spirit and human spirit.

Theological Reflection

The word רוּחַ testifies to the living God who breathes life into creation and into His people. Just as God’s רוּחַ gave life to Adam (), so His Spirit gives new life to believers (Ezekiel 37 and ).

It reminds us that God’s presence is both powerful and personal, unseen yet active. It moves like the wind, revives what is dead, and empowers those who trust in Him.

Comparison between spirit and soul - רוּחַ and נֶפֶשׁ