Understanding the word RUACH
There are many who use terms outside of their context or meaning. We will be discussing the term spirit and how it is used in scripture so we can use this term correctly. Many times because of a misunderstanding of a word, the study of the bible becomes more difficult. Words used incorrectly cause the interpretation of scripture to be incorrect as well. In order for us to be correct in the interpretation of scripture we must first understand how the words in the texts are used. Its just like English, I cannot use a word incorrectly and place it in any sentence I want. The word has to be used correctly in order for the sentence to make sense. The word Spirit is a complex word with multiple meanings and we will be dissecting this terms meaning and the way its used in the Holy Scripture.
The word Spirit in Hebrew is Ruach. This Hebrew word is very intricate and has multiple uses. We are going to focus on three ways its used in scripture.
1)Mind=Judgement, Opinion
2)Breath of life=(life source)
3)Invisible presence and power of God=Omni Presence
Lets show from scripture how it is used for the mind. Lets start by looking at Isaiah 40 verses 13 to 14,
Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
Isa 40:14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
This verse is clearly referring to the question of who is able to direct the Fathers mind in knowledge by teaching Him. We know the answer is NO One, but we see the term “Spirit of the Lord” is used to refer to our Heavenly Fathers Mind. This verse is used a few more times in different places. Let’s take a look at those scriptures.
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
We see clearly that Paul was quoting from Isaiah, but instead of saying the Spirit of The Lord, He wrote Mind, which is the same as spirit in this context. To the Hebrews understanding, they used words which had multiple uses and understood which use applied by the context in which the text is structured.
The mind of Father is referring to His knowledge or understanding or even judgment or view about things. As we study scripture, the scripture allows us to get a glimpse of our Fathers mind, by understanding His will and reasoning. There is a verse in the Greek scriptures that helps us understand this idea. Let’s look at 1st Corinthians chapter 2 verses 9 to 16.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
This is very clear that the Spirit in context is being used equivalent to the mind/Judgment. Though the scriptures translated from the Greek text is being used to reveal clarity, the word in Greek for Spirit is Pneuma. Pneuma is similar to Ruach it also is used three different ways. The same three ways as the Hebrew word Ruach is used. This text is an example of this. Lets look at a few examples in the Hebrew scriptures that uses the word Ruach as mind, this also will prove that the spirit of a man in 1st Corinthians chapter 2 verse 11 is referring to the mind. Let’s examine an example in Ezekiel.
Eze 11:5 And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
We notice here the term Spirit of the Lord is referring to the power and presence of God enabling Ezekiel to be in the His presence but we see here the Father says “I know the things that come into your mind”. The word Mind here is the Hebrew word Ruach. This is important because there is a change that occurs to our mind when we are born again and receive the Son of God in our hearts. Before we are Born again we are carnal. We are carnal because our minds are carnal.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
We see that our Heavenly Father deals directly with the issue of the mind being carnal in the following text.
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Father gives us His mind/Spirit so we can think like Our Father and our Master His Son.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Lets see an example of Paul using this understand when using the word spirit. Lets look at 1 Corinthians chapter 5 verses 2 to 5 which states:
1Co 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
1Co 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Based on the meaning of the word spirit, Paul could not be referring to His invisible presence or His life source being with them. He said that His spirit was with them and He already judged the matter. Paul was saying that the people and he were on one accord or one MIND in the judgment in regard to the person openly sinning. It also mentions that the persons flesh may be destroyed meaning that He goes through trials that may humble His mind to repent. The verses pretty much speak for themselves. As students of the scripture, context is very important to understand the thought of our Father when inspiring the prophets.
Another way of the use of the term spirit is to reveal the Breath of Life or Gods life source in all living things. Let’s examine a few verses in its context that reveals this idea.
Gen_6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Gen_7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
In these texts, the word breath is Ruach which can be translated Spirit. To say all living things have the Spirit is correct only if the context is referring to the Breath of Life. A plant is a living thing and the spirit of God is in the plant. Spirit not referring to the invisible presence or the mind of Father but His life source is in the plant and every living thing. which makes every living thing alive. Let’s look at one more verse.
Job_27:3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
Job says my breath is in me. Here He was actually referring to His actual breath or air. But notice in the rest of the verse. It says the Ruach/Spirit of God is in his NOSTRILS. Does this sound familiar?
Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
In the Genesis account the word breath does not mean Ruach but you see based on the text the result of Fathers Breath was man becoming a living being. So the spirit or presence of God is only in the born again believer but the Spirit or life source of God is in every living creature on this earth.
Let’s look at our last example of the use of the word Spirit/Ruach. Something very important to understand is that no one can see Father and live. As stated in Exodus,
Exo 19:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
Father is warning Israel not to look directly at the location He was dwelling while at Mount Sinai lest they may actually see Father and die. We will see how scripture teaches that Father is able to dwell with us by His invisible presence referred to as Ruach or Spirit.
I will not go into detail because there is a study on this in this link (Truth about the Spirit). Let’s start with Psalms 51 verse 11,
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Here we see that the term presence and Spirit is used interchangeably. But lets look at another verse to show this idea. Let’s look at Psalms chapter 139 verses 7 to 11 which states,
Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
We notice here that the words presence and spirit is referring to the same thing. It’s used interchangeably by the use of the word “or” in between statements. Not only does it refer to His presence but the context in the rest of the verses refer to His ability to be everywhere at the same time. Notice David mentions that wherever He goes our Father is there. This is clear revelation of the spirit of God being Fathers Omni presence. Let us not mistake the meaning of this. He is not saying He is IN everything but that He is in every Location present which is called Omni Presence.
Scripture reveals this idea in many places. Scriptures also reveals to us a physical location of where He is physically. The reason this separate manifestation of His presence is because no one can see His physical structure and live. Jesus Himself mentions no one has seen his Father at anytime in John 5 verse 37 and John chapter 1verse 18
Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
The Ruach/Spirit works this way also through His Son. The Son obtains this ability by going to the Father and receiving this ability for His power and presence to be in multiple places at once as well.
Joh 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me,because I go to the Father.
Joh 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Verse 22 is clearly referring to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost/Feast of weeks. This is extremely clear as to what will occur. The Son who was dead and was raised by His Father will go unto to His Father so He can obtain the ability to be omnipresent. This is necessary in order for the Son of God who will be ministering in the sanctuary on the right side of the Father, to send His Invisible presence to be with us always. This truth was understood and also preached by Peter and the apostles.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost/Spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
There is much more information on this subject and there are quite a few studies on this topic on www.4thAngelteaching.com. We conclude that the word Ruach/Spirit is NOT only the power of Father and Son but also can refer to their Mind, Life Source and His Invisible omnipresence. I hope this was clear and simple and if there is any questions feel free to email
The word Spirit in Hebrew is Ruach. This Hebrew word is very intricate and has multiple uses. We are going to focus on three ways its used in scripture.
1)Mind=Judgement, Opinion
2)Breath of life=(life source)
3)Invisible presence and power of God=Omni Presence
Lets show from scripture how it is used for the mind. Lets start by looking at Isaiah 40 verses 13 to 14,
Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
Isa 40:14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
This verse is clearly referring to the question of who is able to direct the Fathers mind in knowledge by teaching Him. We know the answer is NO One, but we see the term “Spirit of the Lord” is used to refer to our Heavenly Fathers Mind. This verse is used a few more times in different places. Let’s take a look at those scriptures.
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
We see clearly that Paul was quoting from Isaiah, but instead of saying the Spirit of The Lord, He wrote Mind, which is the same as spirit in this context. To the Hebrews understanding, they used words which had multiple uses and understood which use applied by the context in which the text is structured.
The mind of Father is referring to His knowledge or understanding or even judgment or view about things. As we study scripture, the scripture allows us to get a glimpse of our Fathers mind, by understanding His will and reasoning. There is a verse in the Greek scriptures that helps us understand this idea. Let’s look at 1st Corinthians chapter 2 verses 9 to 16.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
This is very clear that the Spirit in context is being used equivalent to the mind/Judgment. Though the scriptures translated from the Greek text is being used to reveal clarity, the word in Greek for Spirit is Pneuma. Pneuma is similar to Ruach it also is used three different ways. The same three ways as the Hebrew word Ruach is used. This text is an example of this. Lets look at a few examples in the Hebrew scriptures that uses the word Ruach as mind, this also will prove that the spirit of a man in 1st Corinthians chapter 2 verse 11 is referring to the mind. Let’s examine an example in Ezekiel.
Eze 11:5 And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
We notice here the term Spirit of the Lord is referring to the power and presence of God enabling Ezekiel to be in the His presence but we see here the Father says “I know the things that come into your mind”. The word Mind here is the Hebrew word Ruach. This is important because there is a change that occurs to our mind when we are born again and receive the Son of God in our hearts. Before we are Born again we are carnal. We are carnal because our minds are carnal.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
We see that our Heavenly Father deals directly with the issue of the mind being carnal in the following text.
Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Father gives us His mind/Spirit so we can think like Our Father and our Master His Son.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Lets see an example of Paul using this understand when using the word spirit. Lets look at 1 Corinthians chapter 5 verses 2 to 5 which states:
1Co 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
1Co 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Based on the meaning of the word spirit, Paul could not be referring to His invisible presence or His life source being with them. He said that His spirit was with them and He already judged the matter. Paul was saying that the people and he were on one accord or one MIND in the judgment in regard to the person openly sinning. It also mentions that the persons flesh may be destroyed meaning that He goes through trials that may humble His mind to repent. The verses pretty much speak for themselves. As students of the scripture, context is very important to understand the thought of our Father when inspiring the prophets.
Another way of the use of the term spirit is to reveal the Breath of Life or Gods life source in all living things. Let’s examine a few verses in its context that reveals this idea.
Gen_6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Gen_7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
In these texts, the word breath is Ruach which can be translated Spirit. To say all living things have the Spirit is correct only if the context is referring to the Breath of Life. A plant is a living thing and the spirit of God is in the plant. Spirit not referring to the invisible presence or the mind of Father but His life source is in the plant and every living thing. which makes every living thing alive. Let’s look at one more verse.
Job_27:3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
Job says my breath is in me. Here He was actually referring to His actual breath or air. But notice in the rest of the verse. It says the Ruach/Spirit of God is in his NOSTRILS. Does this sound familiar?
Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
In the Genesis account the word breath does not mean Ruach but you see based on the text the result of Fathers Breath was man becoming a living being. So the spirit or presence of God is only in the born again believer but the Spirit or life source of God is in every living creature on this earth.
Let’s look at our last example of the use of the word Spirit/Ruach. Something very important to understand is that no one can see Father and live. As stated in Exodus,
Exo 19:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
Father is warning Israel not to look directly at the location He was dwelling while at Mount Sinai lest they may actually see Father and die. We will see how scripture teaches that Father is able to dwell with us by His invisible presence referred to as Ruach or Spirit.
I will not go into detail because there is a study on this in this link (Truth about the Spirit). Let’s start with Psalms 51 verse 11,
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Here we see that the term presence and Spirit is used interchangeably. But lets look at another verse to show this idea. Let’s look at Psalms chapter 139 verses 7 to 11 which states,
Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
We notice here that the words presence and spirit is referring to the same thing. It’s used interchangeably by the use of the word “or” in between statements. Not only does it refer to His presence but the context in the rest of the verses refer to His ability to be everywhere at the same time. Notice David mentions that wherever He goes our Father is there. This is clear revelation of the spirit of God being Fathers Omni presence. Let us not mistake the meaning of this. He is not saying He is IN everything but that He is in every Location present which is called Omni Presence.
Scripture reveals this idea in many places. Scriptures also reveals to us a physical location of where He is physically. The reason this separate manifestation of His presence is because no one can see His physical structure and live. Jesus Himself mentions no one has seen his Father at anytime in John 5 verse 37 and John chapter 1verse 18
Joh 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
The Ruach/Spirit works this way also through His Son. The Son obtains this ability by going to the Father and receiving this ability for His power and presence to be in multiple places at once as well.
Joh 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me,because I go to the Father.
Joh 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
Verse 22 is clearly referring to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost/Feast of weeks. This is extremely clear as to what will occur. The Son who was dead and was raised by His Father will go unto to His Father so He can obtain the ability to be omnipresent. This is necessary in order for the Son of God who will be ministering in the sanctuary on the right side of the Father, to send His Invisible presence to be with us always. This truth was understood and also preached by Peter and the apostles.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost/Spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
There is much more information on this subject and there are quite a few studies on this topic on www.4thAngelteaching.com. We conclude that the word Ruach/Spirit is NOT only the power of Father and Son but also can refer to their Mind, Life Source and His Invisible omnipresence. I hope this was clear and simple and if there is any questions feel free to email