RUACH: SPIRIT

The Meaning of Ruach

The Hebrew word for "spirit" is ruach (ru-ACH), which can be translated as "wind," "breath," or "mind." It is closely associated with "life" since there is no life without "breath."

• Genesis 1:2 says, "The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep water. The Spirit [Ruach] of God was hovering over the water."
• The scene evokes imagery of God hovering over the young world like an eagle hovering over its chicks (Deuteronomy 32:11).

Attributes of the Spirit

The Spirit offers:

• Wisdom
• Ability
• Guidance
• Power
• Revelation

The breath of the Spirit is so powerful that it can even bring the dead to life. When used in connection with God in the Hebrew Scriptures, Ruach may simply refer to His power or will, but more often, it signifies that God is present by His Spirit.

Phrases Found in the Hebrew Scriptures:

• Holy Spirit (Ruach Qodesh)
• God's Spirit (Ruach El)
• The LORD'S Spirit (Ruach Yahweh)
• The Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim)

The word ruach can also describe:

• Angelic beings
• The "spirit" of a human being

Ruach in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Greek word pneuma refers to:

• That which gives life to the body
• The human spirit
• Good and evil spirits
• The Holy Spirit

The term Parakletos is also used, translated as "counselor," "advocate," or "helper." The New Testament speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the body of Christ so that together, we can do the will of God on earth. The Holy Spirit is the One with the power to re-create the life of God within us.

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Praying to Ruach

I couldn’t sleep. The lighted numbers on my alarm clock glared at me from across the room. Anxious thoughts kept racing through my brain. My eleven-year-old was attending an educational program in another city, staying four nights in the home of friends and three nights at home. I was anxious to raise the money to bring this program for learning-disabled children to my city so my daughter could move home again. But I felt alone and confused about how to proceed.

By 5:00 a.m., I gave up and tumbled out of bed. After a cup of coffee, I began praying, asking God to help me figure out what to do about my daughter’s situation. I had the subtle impression that instead of giving me ideas, He was saying something—I am going to fight for you. I hoped it was God’s voice and not wishful thinking.

Later that day, another mother called. I had invited her and a few other parents to a meeting in Toronto to learn more about the educational program I hoped to establish in Grand Rapids. Until then, no one had replied. Guess what! An influential administrator in her school system wanted to make the trip to Toronto. This was the breakthrough I had prayed for—only a first step, but at least a door was opening.

After I hung up, the words I had heard that morning came back to me—I will fight for you. Alone in my office, I gave a little victory shout. Then I turned back to my writing. Before the phone call, I had been editing a piece I had written a few weeks earlier, and my own words bounced back to me:

"Though we are weak and limited, we are not defenseless because we belong to a God of unimaginable power. And though it may seem that He is sleeping through our time of need, He is still Yahweh Tsebaoth, the LORD of Armies, able to do far more than we think or imagine."

And then came the prayer I had written:

"Yahweh Tsebaoth, LORD of Armies, please calm my fear and anxiety. You know everything that is going on in my life right now. Help me to rest in the knowledge that You are with me."

I share this story, not because it is finished and certainly not because it is extraordinary, but because it illustrates one way the Holy Spirit commonly works in our lives—speaking a word to guide and encourage. Like me, you may be anxious about some perplexing problem. Ask God to open your heart to His Spirit, to fill you with His gifts and direct you with His wisdom.

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Prayers and Reflections

Spirit of the Living God, Ruach, breathe your life into me. Purify, counsel, encourage, convict, and enable me. Give me your gifts that I may use them wisely in your service.

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Promises Associated with the Name Ruach

• "After this, I will pour my Ruach on everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour my Ruach on servants, on both men and women." (Joel 2:28-29)

• "Life is spiritual. Your physical existence doesn’t contribute to that life. The words that I have spoken to you are spiritual. They are life." (John 6:63)

• "The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything." (John 14:26)