ἐμφυσάω (emphusaō)
emphusaō
to breathe into
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb emphusaō means to blow or breathe into something. It appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in John 20:22 when Jesus breathes on his disciples after the resurrection.
This word is a compound of the preposition en ("in") and phusaō ("to blow"). In the Greek Old Testament, it translates the Hebrew naphach, used for God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7. The New Testament usage echoes this creation imagery, suggesting a new act of giving life.
Translators render it simply as "breathed on" or "breathed into." The physical action carries theological weight, connecting the resurrected Christ to the original Creator who imparted breath and life to humanity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word emphusaō appears only once in the New Testament, recording a quiet but powerful moment after Jesus rose from the dead. In John 20:22, He breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This simple act of breathing carries deep meaning, echoing how God formed Adam in Genesis by breathing life into him.
For your faith, this reminds you that spiritual life begins with God’s breath. Just as physical life depends on air, our new life in Christ depends on the Spirit He gives. You do not create this life yourself; it is a gift received through trust in Jesus.
This connection between creation and new creation shows God’s care for your inner being. When you feel weak or uncertain, remember that the same power that gave breath to the first man now lives within those who believe. Rest in that steady presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He breathed on [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνεφύσησεν1×
Key Verses
-
John 20:22
When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!
This is the only New Testament occurrence where Jesus breathes on His disciples, linking His resurrection appearance to the creation of life through the gift of the Holy Spirit.