Bible Question:
Hi, Tim. Can I ask a question here? I noticed that you stated that you think it is a stretch to think that Adam and Eve had God's Spirit breathed into them. If you've read my post, you can see that I think (though I can't prove it from this text alone) that Adam and Eve did have God's Spirit. So, my question is this: Isn't the Greek word for 'spirit' pnuema - breath? I was under the impression that it was. I know that the OT was written in Hebrew, but the thought is the same. If so, how could God breathe 'spirit' into them without it being of His Spirit? Isn't He the source? If you're understanding is correct and that God just breathed physical life (CPR, as you say) into Adam, then how is that different from the physical life that God gave the animal kingdom? But man and animals breathe. What would distinguish Adam, in the creation process, from the animals? (Also, if you have time, isn't the word 'creatures' in Gen chapter 1 that same word in Hebrew as 'souls'?) Thanks for your time, Bill Mc |
Bible Answer: Greetings Bill! It is definitely not possible to be dogmatic about this verse, since it simply doesn't reveal everything that we would like to know about the issue. However, I think the emphasis is upon the granting of life, not a spiritual nature. Here is why? 1) The context of the passage has to with the animation of man, not the differences between him and the animal. 2) It is true that 'pnuema' can be translated as 'spirit' in some passages. However, the Septuagint translates 'nƒshamah' with the Greek word 'pnoe', which simply means 'breath or wind'. It doesn't use 'pnuema'. 3) 'Nfshamah' is not a word that is used to refer to the Spirit of God. That word is 'ruwach'. Thus, God didn't breath His Spirit into us. He breathed the breath of life into us. Finally, you asked about "souls". Yes, that word is the same word used to refer to the animals. However, I think we read a more mystical meaning into it than was understood by the Hebrews. The word basically just means "a living being". This would fit with both the animals and Adam. I would say that what distinguishes us from the animals is the Image of God from chapter one, not the breath of life in chapter two. But, who knows for sure! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |