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pneuma

pneuma

9.9
A divine spirit Christians believe guides and helps people
  • noun
  • /ˈnjuːmə/
  • Formal
translation icon : pneuma
  • The Greek word for "spirit" found in this verse is "pneuma," which refers to an immaterial essence.

Examples

  • He has misunderstood the nature of Jesus' presence, which is now on the level of pneuma ("Partnership in Easter Faith" 43).

    Academic text (2008)
  • Many theologians believe that pneuma represents the breath of God, infusing life into creation.

  • So when you translate spirit into Greek, it becomes pneuma, which is a neuter word.

  • Schell underscored the personalistic nature of God and saw this as a powerful incentive and dynamic: God in Logos and Pneuma, in wisdom and power, enkindles in us creativity and strength sufficient to realize the unfolding of the kingdom in the world of matter and time.

    Academic text (1993)
  • In Christian theology, pneuma is often understood as the divine spirit or the Holy Spirit guiding believers.

  • The concept of pneuma is central to many discussions about spiritual life and the nature of God in Christianity.

Synonyms

Holy Spirit
vspneuma
104 4.5

The presence of God that Christians believe works in the world to guide and comfort people

has identical meaning but is used especially in Christian theology

Surface Forms

pneuma singular
pneumata plural

Etymology

Pneuma comes from an old Greek word meaning 'breath' or 'spirit'. In Christian use pneuma means the Holy Spirit, like the 'breath' of God that gives life and guidance.