Holy Spirit — Meaning in the Bible
The Spirit of God. The Bible shows the Spirit at creation, empowering prophets and leaders, and in the New Testament given to Jesus' followers at Pentecost.
What it means
The Spirit of God moved over the waters at creation and came upon leaders and prophets for particular tasks. Joel promised that God would pour out his Spirit on all people. Genesis 1:2Judges 6:341 Samuel 16:13Joel 2:28–29
Jesus promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost the Spirit came on the disciples, and Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit. John 14:16–17Acts 2:1–4Galatians 5:22–23
Key passages
- Genesis 1:1–2 — The Spirit at creation.
- Joel 2:28–29 — The promise.
- Luke 3:21–22 — The Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism.
- John 14:15–17 — The promised Helper.
- Acts 2:1–21 — Pentecost.
- Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit.
Original language
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- Older versions such as the KJV often say "Holy Ghost"; modern versions say "Holy Spirit". They translate the same words. Acts 2:4
For children
The Holy Spirit is God's Spirit. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' friends with a sound like wind and flames like fire. Acts 2:1–4
Study further
- Joel 2:28–32 The promise.
- John 14:15–31 Jesus' promise.
- Acts 2:1–41 Pentecost.
- Romans 8:1–17 Life in the Spirit.