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how does the new testament concept of the 'spirit' (pneuma) relate to this 'breath of life'?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

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 creation account in Genesis, which focuses on the creation of humanity and the establishment of the Garden of Eden. It details how God personally forms the first human, Adam, and gives him life.

What does it mean for human life to originate from both the earth and a divine breath?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Job 33:4

    Job speaks of the Spirit of God making him and the breath of the Almighty giving him life.

  • John 20:22

    Jesus breathes on his disciples and says, 'Receive the Holy Spirit,' echoing God's life-giving breath.

  • Romans 8:11

    Paul connects the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead with giving life to mortal bodies, linking divine breath to resurrection.

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