Theme: God’s breath—His Spirit, wind, or ruach/pneuma—is a life-giving, sustaining, and renewing force that runs through the entire biblical narrative. This study traces that divine breath from Genesis to Revelation.
Genesis 1:2 – "The Spirit [ruach] of God was hovering over the waters."
Genesis 2:7 – "Then the Lord God formed the man of dust... and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life."
Job 33:4 – "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Reflection: What does it mean for your very breath to be a gift from God?
Genesis 7:22 – "Everything on dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died."
Ezekiel 37:1–14 – God’s breath enters dry bones and raises them into a living army.
Discussion: How do we see this same reviving Spirit at work in the church today?
Luke 4:1 – "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness."
John 20:22 – "He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
Acts 2:2–4 – "Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind... and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways is the Holy Spirit breathing new life into your walk with Christ?
Romans 8:11 – "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you... he will also give life to your mortal bodies."
2 Timothy 3:16 – "All Scripture is breathed out by God..."
Revelation 22:17 – "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.'"
Discussion: How does the promise of God's breath renewing all creation affect your hope for the future?
The breath or wind of God reveals:
| Theme | Reference | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Genesis 1:2; 2:7 | God’s Spirit gives life |
| Judgment | Genesis 7:22 | God withdraws His breath |
| Restoration | Ezekiel 37 | God’s Spirit revives dry bones |
| Empowerment | Acts 2 | Wind of Pentecost |
| New Creation | John 20:22 | Jesus breathes the Spirit |
| Hope | Revelation 22:17 | Spirit invites to eternal life |