BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
Ruach — Meaning and Biblical Usage
רוּחַ (rûᵃḥ) names wind or breath and, by resemblance, life, anger, the sky, or the spirit of a rational being.
Meaning of the word
The basic sense is wind: a sensible, sometimes violent movement of air, as when a strong east wind drives back the sea in Exodus 14:21 or the wind carries chaff away in Psalms 1:4. By resemblance, רוּחַ can also mean breath, the life associated with breathing, as in Ecclesiastes 3:19.
The word can describe a spirit or an inner disposition, including a willing spirit in Psalms 51:12. In the provided verses it can refer specifically to the Spirit of God, such as God’s Spirit in Genesis 1:2, and to a person’s spirit in Ecclesiastes 3:21. The same term can also evoke anger or something unsubstantial, while רוּחַ can name a region of the sky.
Usage in Scripture
In the examples, רוּחַ is used for physical air and movement: the strong wind at the Red Sea, the wind that drives chaff, and the wind that passes over a person in Psalms 103:16. The cool of the day in Genesis 3:8 and the “one breath” shared by human beings and animals in Ecclesiastes 3:19 show its related sense of breeze or breath.
Its spiritual uses include the Spirit of God moving in Genesis 1:2 and being present in Psalms 139:7, along with the spirit or willing spirit in Psalms 51:12-14 and the human spirit in Ecclesiastes 3:21. The surrounding wording determines whether the word means physical wind or breath, an inner spirit, or the divine Spirit.
The word in detail
- H7307 רוּחַ (rûᵃḥ) covers wind, breath, life, anger, the sky, and spirit. The examples distinguish its physical uses from its figurative or spiritual uses according to context.
Example verses
- Genesis 1:2 Here רוּחַ is the Spirit of God, present and active over the waters.
- Exodus 14:21 Here רוּחַ is a strong east wind that causes the sea to retreat and the waters to divide.
- Psalms 51:12 Here רוּחַ describes a willing spirit: an inward readiness to receive God’s saving work.
- Ecclesiastes 3:19 Here רוּחַ is the breath associated with the shared life of human beings and beasts.
Common questions
What does רוּחַ mean in Hebrew?
It can mean wind or breath and, figuratively, life, anger, the sky, or spirit, depending on context.
Does רוּחַ always mean “spirit”?
No. It can mean wind, breath, or a region of the sky, as well as spirit.
How is רוּחַ used in Genesis 1:2?
It is the Spirit of God, described as moving upon the face of the waters.