Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
(Heb.
ruah; Gr.
pneuma), properly wind or breath. In
2 Th. 2:8 it means "breath," and in
Eccl. 8:8 the vital principle in man. It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which man is distinguished (
Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 5:5, 6:20, 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (
Heb. 12:23), and hence also an apparition (
Job 4:15; Lk. 24:37, 39), an angel (
Heb. 1:14), and a demon (
Lk. 4:36, 10:20). This word is used also metaphorically as denoting a tendency (
Zech. 12:10; Lk. 13:11).
In Rom. 1:4, 1 Tim. 3:16, 2 Cor. 3:17, 1 Pet. 3:18, it designates the divine nature.