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Genesis 2:7
“Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
This passage is from the second chapter of Genesis, part of the ancient Israelite creation narrative. It describes the unique way humanity came into being, distinct from the creation of other living things, focusing on a direct act of God giving life.
What does it mean for life itself to be a breath from God?
Then — the setting
This passage, likely composed in the first millennium BCE, offers an Israelite perspective on human origins. It emphasizes God's direct involvement in forming humanity from the earth and animating it with his own breath. Unlike creation myths of surrounding cultures that sometimes depicted humanity arising from the blood of gods or cosmic struggles, Genesis highlights a personal, intimate act by a singular Creator, imbuing humanity with dignity and a special relationship to God. This narrative would have been formative for Israel's understanding of human nature, dependency on God, and unique role within creation.
Across the Testaments
The main passage is in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew word *ruach* (often translated 'breath,' 'wind,' or 'spirit') in Genesis 2:7 refers to the life-giving force imparted by God, making humans 'living souls.' In the New Testament, the Greek word *pneuma* carries a similar range of meaning. While it can still refer to literal breath or wind (e.g., John 3:8), it most notably develops into the concept of the Holy Spirit, the divine presence and power of God active in the world and in believers. Jesus's own breath is associated with imparting the Spirit to his disciples (John 20:22). This New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit builds upon the Old Testament idea of *ruach* as God's animating and empowering presence, moving from a general life-giving force for all humanity to a specific indwelling and empowering presence for those in covenant with God through Christ.
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It affirms that God's Spirit made him and the Almighty's breath gives him life.
It connects God sending forth his Spirit with the creation and renewal of life on earth.
It vividly portrays God breathing spirit (or breath) into dry bones to bring them to life again.
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