Ruach (spirit, wind, breath) — Meaning in the Bible
A Hebrew word that can mean wind, breath or spirit, depending on the context, including the Spirit of God.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
The meaning in each verse is decided by context, not by the word alone.
What it means
In Genesis 1:2 God's ruach moved over the waters; in Exodus 14:21 a strong east ruach (wind) drove back the sea. Genesis 1:2Exodus 14:21
In Ezekiel's vision of dry bones the same word appears as breath, wind and Spirit in one passage. Ezekiel 37:5–10Ezekiel 37:14
Key passages
- Genesis 1:2 — The Spirit of God.
- Exodus 14:21 — A strong east wind.
- Ezekiel 37:1–14 — Breath, wind and 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
- Because one Hebrew word covers wind, breath and spirit, translators choose by context, and versions sometimes differ (for example "wind" or "Spirit" in Genesis 1:2). Genesis 1:2