πνοή (pnoē)
pnoē
wind/breath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pnoē refers to a blast of air, whether it is the wind blowing or the breath sustaining life. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant weight by connecting physical sensation with divine action.
In Acts 2:2, the sound accompanying Pentecost is described not as a roar but as a "mighty rushing wind," capturing the sudden, powerful presence of the Spirit. Later, in Acts 17:25, Paul explains that God does not need human service because He alone gives life and breath to all people. Here, pnoē underscores the fragility of human existence against the sovereignty of the Creator.
Rooted in the verb for blowing or breathing, the term bridges the gap between natural phenomena and spiritual vitality. It reminds readers that just as wind is invisible yet powerful, the source of life itself remains beyond human control or provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pnoē points to the invisible force that sustains us. In Acts 2:2, this concept appears as a mighty rushing wind filling the room where believers gathered. This sudden movement of air mirrors how the Holy Spirit arrives—not always in quiet whispers, but often with power that changes everything around us. It reminds us that God’s presence is dynamic and alive.
We also see this word in Acts 17:25, where Paul explains that God does not need our help because He alone gives life and breath to everyone. This truth brings comfort when we feel weak or overwhelmed. We do not have to manufacture our own strength or keep ourselves going through sheer willpower. The same Creator who fills the room with wind also sustains every heartbeat.
When you feel tired, remember that your breath is a gift from Him. You can rest in the knowledge that He holds your life together. This connection between physical breath and divine care invites us to trust His ongoing provision each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a wind1×
- breath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πνοῆς1×
- πνοὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:2
Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
This verse uses pnoē to describe the powerful, visible manifestation of the Spirit's arrival at Pentecost.
-
Acts 17:25
He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath and all things.
Here Paul contrasts human need with God's self-sufficiency, highlighting that He is the source of all life and breath.