Hebrew · Strong's H7307
רוּחַ
rûaḥ (ROO-akh)
noun, feminine
Spirit, breath, wind — the life-giving presence of God.
Rûaḥ is the Hebrew word for spirit, breath, and wind — the same three meanings carried by Greek pneuma. In Genesis 1:2 the Rûaḥ Elohim broods over the deep. In Genesis 2:7 God breathes the breath of life into Adam. In Ezekiel 37 the rûaḥ is summoned from the four winds to bring life to dry bones — a vivid picture of new birth.
The rûaḥ comes upon the judges, fills the craftsmen of the tabernacle, anoints kings, and inspires the prophets. The full revelation of the Holy Spirit awaits Pentecost, but his presence and work pervade the Old Testament.
Common English renderings
- spirit
- wind
- breath
- mind
Key verses
"And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
Read in context →
"And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Read in context →
"Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me."
Read in context →
"Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army."
Read in context →
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:"
Read in context →
Related words