[Greek] πνοή (pnoē), [Latin] inspirare: wind, breath, breeze, soul; Acts 2:2, Acts 17:25
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means blowing (of the wind), breath, inspiration, breeze, blast, and soul. Euripides’ Bacchae 1094 states “They leapt through the torrent—streaming valley and mountain clifts, frantic with the inspiration of the god.” Homer’s Iliad 5.697 states “And his spirit failed him, and down over his eyes a mist was shed. Howebeit, he revived and the breath of the North Wind as it blew upon him and made him live again.” Euripides’ Phoenissae 454 states “Restrain the fierceness of your look and panting rage.” Euripides’ Orestes 145 states “Speak the breath of a slender reed-pipe.” Plato’s Cratylus 419d states “The creeping of the soul is likened to a breath.” Euripides’ Orestes states “How long is it since your mother breathed her last?”
Old Testament: This term, meaning wind, breath, life, and spirit, refers to aspects of both God and man. God provides the breath of life essential for man to live. This term also refers to man’s inner most part (spirit) that can respond to God. Man’s nature comes from his spirit (soul). God’s Spirit can range from a soft breath to a stormy wind. God’s wrath is often associated with a stormy wind. Philo, a Jewish Hellenistic philosopher states in his The Special Laws 4.123 “For the essence of the soul is breath of God.” Philo sometimes makes a distinction between God’s light breath (for the creation of Adam) and God’ s strong wind (for the Spirit created in the divine image).
The foundations of the earth were laid bare, at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the wind of His wrath (2Sam.22:16). With His breath God brings the frost and the broad waters become congealed (Job.37:10). Because the breath in our nostrils is a smoke and reason is a spark at the beating of our hearts (Sol.2:2). Your God, is giving you as your heritage, you shall not leave a single soul alive (Deut.20:16). God blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being (Gen.2:7). Therefore thus says the Lord God: in My fury I will let loose storm winds (Ezek.13:13). And the earth was without from or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters (Gen.1:2).
New Testament: This term means wind and breath. God provides both a strong driving wind and a gentle breath of life. At the time of Pentecost, Peter and the Apostles were all gathered together in one place. A strong driving wind, in the form of the Holy Spirit, filled the entire household. The Apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, began to speak in tongues. Paul was speaking to the Athenians about that ‘Unknown God’. Paul stated that this God gives everyone life, breath, and everything. Paul was appealing to the religiosity of the Greeks.
Scripture:
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.” Acts 2:2
At Pentecost, a strong rushing wind, representing the Holy Spirit, comes upon the Apostles, who speak in tongues.
“Rather is He who gives to everyone life and breathing and everything.” Acts 17:25
Paul makes references to God who provides life (breath) to man.
Conclusion:
Pneumatic, pneumonia, inspiration, inspire
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the wide ranging meanings of this term. This term can range from strong blast, light breeze, hard breathing, and exhalation, soul creeping, and pipe puff. Even gods are associated with winds.
In the Old Testament, the intensity of winds is linked with God’s wrath. In contrast, God provides a gentle breath giving life to Adam.
In the New Testament, on the other hand, a strong wind gives inspiration to the Apostles at Pentecost. It is interesting that Paul indirectly alludes to God giving life (breath) to Adam. It is also interesting that spirit, breath, and soul are frequently linked together.
One can say that wind, breath, and the soul have been sources of inspiration throughout history!