רוּחַ
Ruach
Spirit, wind, breath
The very second verse of the Bible introduces one of Hebrew's most mysterious words: 'The Ruach of God was hovering over the waters' (Genesis 1:2). Ruach (רוּחַ) simultaneously means spirit, wind, and breath — and that triple meaning is not a coincidence. God's Spirit is as invisible as wind, as essential as breath, and as powerful as a storm. When God breathed into Adam's nostrils (Genesis 2:7), it was ruach. When the Spirit descended at Pentecost with the sound of a rushing wind, it was ruach. This one word connects creation, life, and the Holy Spirit in a way that no English translation can capture.
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit (Ruach) of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Ruach comes from the root ר-ו-ח (resh-vav-chet). Its triple meaning — spirit, wind, and breath — reveals that God's Spirit is as essential as air and as powerful as the wind.
How Ruach Is Used in Scripture
Ruach appears 389 times in the Hebrew Bible. It can mean physical wind (Exodus 14:21), human spirit/breath (Genesis 2:7), or God's Spirit (Genesis 1:2). 'Ruach HaKodesh' (Holy Spirit) appears in Psalm 51:11 and Isaiah 63:10.
Cultural & Modern Context
In Hebrew, ruach is grammatically feminine — which has led to rich theological discussions about the nurturing, creative nature of God's Spirit. The Spirit 'hovers' (merachefet) in Genesis 1:2, the same word used for a bird hovering over its nest.
How to Use Ruach in Prayer
Pray for Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) to fill you, guide you, and empower you. Just as God's Ruach hovered over creation, ask the Spirit to bring order and life to the chaos in your world.
People Also Ask About Ruach
Is ruach feminine or masculine in Hebrew?
Ruach is grammatically feminine in Hebrew, which has led to rich theological discussions. The Spirit 'hovers' (merachefet) over the waters in Genesis 1:2 — the same verb used for a mother bird hovering over her nest (Deuteronomy 32:11). This feminine imagery suggests the nurturing, life-giving nature of God's Spirit.
What is the difference between ruach and neshamah?
Both mean 'breath/spirit' but with different nuances. Neshamah (נְשָׁמָה) is the breath of life God breathed into Adam — the divine spark that makes humans unique. Ruach is broader: it can mean wind, spirit, or breath in any context. Together they paint a picture of God's life-giving power.
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