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The Hebrew word for spirit is רוּח (ruach- Strong's #7307) which means literally "spirit" or "wind". It is translated 185 times as "spirit", 94 times as "wind", and 31 times as "breath" in the NASB. This word is used very early in Scripture in reference to the Spirit of G-d:

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of G-d was moving over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)

 

The last place in the Tanakh where ruach is used is in Malachi. It is used 3 times in 2 verses:

This is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the G-d of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." (Malachi 2:13-16)

 

The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word ruach into Greek as πνευμα (pneuma- Strong's #4151) and is also translated as "spirit". The first instance of this in the writings of the Apostles is in Matthew and (just like the first instance of the Hebrew word) also refers to the Ruach Ha Elohim [Spirit of G-d].

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

 

The last use of pneuma in Scripture is (not surprisingly) found in Revelation:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (Revelation 22:17)

 

Now that we have taken a look at Scriptures' Hebrew and Greek words for body, soul, and spirit, let's make some observations...

 

Torah Portion

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Today is

Yom Sh'lishi, 22 Nisan, 5784

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

 

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