In the weeks leading up to Pentecost, we will be exploring the Bible for what it says about the most elusive part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Many don’t understand his role or may think of him as some mystical power or force, but the Bible actually says a lot about the Spirit throughout both the Old Testament and New. We hope that you will embark on this journey with us to discover this very important and active part of the triune God. Let’s dive in!
The first mention of the Spirit is in Genesis, which shows us that the Holy Spirit has been present from the beginning of all time.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2*)
Not only was he there, but Job says he played a role in the creation of humanity.
The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4*)
Two Hebrew words are both translated as spirit and breath, depending on the context. רוּחַ (roo’-akh) is translated as Spirit here, but in other verses it is translated as breath (e.g., Genesis 6:17). נְשָׁמָה (nesh-aw-maw’) is breath in Job 33:4, where he alludes to Genesis 2:7, but it, too has been translated as spirit in other passages (e.g., Proverbs 20:27). Each time we see the Spirit of God mentioned in the Old Testament, it is רוּחַ (roo’-akh).
Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7*)
From these passages, we can logically say that the Holy Spirit is the one who gave humanity life at the beginning. In the New Testament, a main attribute of the Holy Spirit is his life-giving nature—not just the first breath of life with Adam, but also eternal life with Christ.
The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (John 6:63*)
I hope you join us as we explore more of the roles the Holy Spirit has played throughout God’s Word. Next week, we will discuss his work throughout the Old Testament.
For further reading, see Job 32:8, Romans 8:10, & 2 Corinthians 3:6.
*All verses are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), bold and underlines added.