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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 earliest chapters of Genesis, describing the creation of humanity. It sets the scene for understanding the unique nature of human life in the biblical narrative.
What does it mean for human life to be described as both dust and the breath of God?
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This verse describes all land creatures dying during the flood as having 'the breath of the spirit of life' in their nostrils, showing that this 'breath' is not exclusive to humans but universal life.
Job attributes his life to God's spirit and breath, connecting God as the source of all life-giving breath.
Paul quotes Genesis 2:7, stating 'The first man, Adam, became a living soul.' He then contrasts this with Christ becoming 'a life-giving spirit,' introducing a new dimension to the concept of life.
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