Greek word · Strong's G4151

πνεῦμα

pneûma · noun · “spirit, breath”

In a sentence

Pneuma means breath, wind, or spirit — used for the human spirit and, supremely, the Holy Spirit, God’s own presence and power at work in his people.

Like the Hebrew ruach, pneuma evokes wind and breath — unseen but powerful. Jesus uses exactly that image with Nicodemus: the Spirit, like wind, “blows where it wishes.” The word covers the human inner life and the third person of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit (pneuma hagion) indwells believers, gives new birth, produces Christlike fruit, and empowers witness. To live “by the Spirit” is to be carried by God’s own breath rather than by mere human effort.

Strong's reference

Definition: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit

KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”” Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.