רוּחַ

Meaning:

Wind

Breath

Spirit

Noun. Occurs about 380 times in the Old Testament.

Though usually feminine, רוּחַ sometimes takes masculine verbs and adjectives, especially when referring to the Spirit of God (רוּחַ יְהוָה).

The plural רוּחוֹת often means winds rather than spirits.

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.

It is frequently paired with God or Yahweh, that is, The Spirit of God (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים) and Spirit of the Lord (רוּחַ יְהוָה) are commonly found the Old Testament.

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 רוּחַ and נֶפֶשׁ - spirit and soul or life

Aspect	נֶפֶשׁ (*Soul / Life*)	רוּחַ (*Spirit / Breath*)
Root Meaning	“To breathe” or “to live”; connected with the *living being* itself	“To blow” or “to move air”; connected with *breath, wind,* or *animating force.*
Concrete Sense	The *person as a living being*—life, appetite, or self	The *invisible vitality or power* that animates life; the immaterial “breath” that comes from God
Physical Connection	Closely tied to *bodily life* and *blood* (e.g. *Leviticus 17:11* — “the life [נֶפֶשׁ] of the flesh is in the blood”)	More closely tied to *breath* and *air*—God’s life-giving power, distinct from material form
Emotional / Psychological Sense	Describes the person’s desires, emotions, and individuality (e.g. *Genesis 34:3* - “his soul was drawn to Dinah”)	Describes the person’s inner drive, will, or disposition (e.g. *Proverbs 16:32* - “he who rules his spirit”)
Divine Usage	Rarely applied directly to God; usually describes human or creaturely life	Frequently applied to God - “Spirit of God” or “Spirit of the LORD” - showing His active presence
At Death	The life departs when the body dies - life as we know it ceases	The spirit/breath returns to God who gave it (*Ecclesiastes 12:7*)
Greek Equivalent (LXX)	ψυχή	πνεῦμα
New Testament Parallel	The “soul” represents personhood and individuality	The “spirit” represents the God-given life force or spiritual connection with God

In Biblical anthropology, both נֶפֶשׁ and רוּחַ are essential parts of human life, but they emphasize different dimensions:

The word נֶפֶשׁ points to the whole living person - their emotions, appetites, and physical life. When Scripture says a “soul” is hungry or joyful, it refers to the person's lived experience in the body. In short, it is the the living self

The word רוּחַ emphasizes the invisible breath that gives that self life and consciousness. It is what comes from God and returns to Him - the spiritual dimension that links humanity to the Creator. In short, it is the life-giving breath or spirit from God.

Thus, in biblical thought, humanity is both נֶפֶשׁ (a living being) and animated by רוּחַ (the Spirit or breath of God).

Grammatical Forms of רוּחַ in the Old Testament

Description	Example (Reference)	Form
Absolute singular — the basic dictionary form, “spirit,” “wind,” or “breath.”	– “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”	רוּחַ
Definite singular — “the spirit,” “the wind.” Uses the article ha when specific	– “God made a wind pass over the earth.”	הָרוּחַ
Construct singular — “Spirit of God,” “Spirit of the LORD.” Expresses possession or relationship	*Judges 3:10* – “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him.“	רוּחַ יְהוָה
1st person singular suffix — “my spirit”	Genesis 6:3 – “My Spirit shall not strive with man.”	רוּחִי
2nd person masculine singular suffix — “your spirit”	Psalm 51:13 (English 51:11) – “Take not Your Holy Spirit from me”	רוּחֲךָ
3rd person masculine singular suffix — “his spirit”	Genesis 41:8 – “His spirit was troubled”	רוּחוֹ
3rd person feminine singular suffix — “her spirit”	Isaiah 26:9 – “My spirit within me seeks You”	רוּחָהּ
Absolute plural — “spirits,” “winds.” Usually natural, not divine	Psalm 148:8 – “Stormy winds fulfilling His word.”	רוּחוֹת
Definite plural — “the winds,” “the spirits”	Zechariah 6:5 – “These are the four winds of heaven.”	רוּחוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם
Plural with possessive suffixes — “his/their spirits”	Psalm 104:4 – “He makes His messengers winds”	רוּחוֹתָיו / רוּחוֹתֵיהֶם
Prepositional forms — with prefixes such as בְּ- (in), לְ- (to), מִ- (from)	Ezekiel 37:9 – “Come, O wind/spirit.”	בְּרוּחַ / לְרוּחַ / מִרוּחַ