πνεῦμα (pneuma)
pneuma
spirit/breath: spirit
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 350 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word pneuma literally means a current of air, such as wind or breath. This physical sense appears in passages like John 3:8, where Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind that blows where it wishes, and in Revelation 11:11, where the "breath of life" returns to the two witnesses. The term captures something invisible yet powerful, moving through the world without being contained by it.
In Scripture, pneuma expands to describe the vital principle that animates living beings. It distinguishes the inner person from the physical body, as seen when Jesus commends his spirit to the Father in Luke 23:46 or when Paul speaks of the human spirit in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The word also covers non-human entities, ranging from angels and disembodied souls to evil spirits that afflict people, such as the mute demon in Mark 9:17.
Most significantly, pneuma refers to God’s own Spirit. In John 4:24, Jesus declares that God is spirit, emphasizing His incorporeal nature. The New Testament consistently presents the Holy Spirit not as an impersonal force but as a divine Person who guides, empowers, and transforms believers, serving as the bridge between the Creator and creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pneuma carries a sense of invisible movement, like wind or breath that gives life but cannot be held in the hand. In your daily walk, this reminds you that God’s presence is not limited by physical boundaries. He moves freely to bring comfort and strength where you need it most.
When Jesus spoke of being baptized with the Holy Spirit, He pointed to a power that transforms from within. This inner reality helps us face challenges with resilience. It is not about our own effort alone, but about resting in the guidance of God’s Spirit who leads us through difficult seasons.
Even in moments of weakness, this word offers hope. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within believers today. You can trust that you are never walking alone, as His presence sustains and empowers you every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 350 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Spirit145×
- spirit58×
- [the] Spirit38×
- spirits22×
- a spirit17×
- of [the] Spirit14×
- spirit,9×
- in spirit9×
- Spirit,8×
- by [the] Spirit5×
- [the] Spirit.5×
- with [the] Spirit4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πνεῦμα136×
- πνεύματος77×
- πνεύματι73×
- πνεύματα18×
- πνεῦμά13×
- πνεύματι,13×
- πνευμάτων9×
- πνεύματός7×
- πνεύματος,7×
- πνεύμασιν4×
- πνεῦμα·3×
- πνεῦμα.3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
This verse highlights the divine origin of Jesus’ conception, showing the Holy Spirit’s role in initiating God’s plan for salvation.
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Matthew 10:20
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
This promise assures believers that when they speak for Christ, it is actually the Spirit of the Father providing the words and courage needed.
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Mark 1:10
Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
The descent of the Spirit like a dove at Jesus’ baptism signifies God’s approval and the empowerment for His public ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pneuma mean in the Bible?
Is the Holy Spirit just a force or a person?
How is pneuma different from psychē?
Why is it called the 'Holy Spirit'?
Every Occurrence (350 verses across 25 books)
Matthew 19 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 3:11“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not…
Matthew 3:16Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 4:1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 5:3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 8:16When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…
Matthew 10:1He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal…
Matthew 10:20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Matthew 12:18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…
Matthew 12:28But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.
Matthew 12:31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be…
Matthew 12:32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…
Matthew 12:43“When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, and doesn’t find it.
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 22:43He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 27:50Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Matthew 28:19Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,