Topical Encyclopedia
The term "breatheth" is an archaic form of the verb "breathe," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing life, spirit, and the divine breath of God. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of breathing is closely associated with the life-giving power of God and the spiritual vitality imparted to humanity.
Creation and the Breath of LifeThe foundational reference to breathing in the Bible is found in the account of creation. In
Genesis 2:7 , it is written: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This passage highlights the intimate act of God imparting life to humanity, distinguishing humans from other creatures by the divine breath that animates them. The breath of life signifies not only physical existence but also the spiritual essence that connects humanity to God.
Breath as a Metaphor for SpiritIn the Scriptures, breath is often used metaphorically to represent the spirit or the inner life of a person.
Job 33:4 states, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Here, the breath of God is equated with the Spirit, emphasizing the sustaining and life-giving presence of God within individuals. This connection between breath and spirit underscores the belief that life itself is a gift from God, maintained by His continual presence.
Divine Judgment and BreathThe Bible also uses the concept of breath in the context of divine judgment. In
Isaiah 11:4 , it is prophesied concerning the Messiah: "But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips." Here, the breath of the Messiah is depicted as a powerful force of judgment, illustrating the authority and righteousness of God's Word.
Human Frailty and BreathThe transient nature of human life is often compared to breath in the Scriptures, emphasizing human frailty and dependence on God.
Psalm 144:4 declares, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." This imagery serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the need for reliance on the eternal God. The fleeting nature of breath underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's will and purpose.
The Breath of God in RenewalIn the New Testament, the breath of God is associated with spiritual renewal and empowerment. In
John 20:22 , after His resurrection, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the impartation of the Holy Spirit, equipping the disciples for their mission and symbolizing the new life and power available to believers through Christ.
Throughout the Bible, the concept of breath serves as a profound symbol of life, spirit, and divine interaction with humanity. It reflects the sustaining power of God, the transience of human existence, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Library
Of the Trinity and a Christian
... comprehend with all saints, is a great work; enough to crush the spirit, and to
stretch the strings of the most capacious, widened soul thatbreatheth on this...
Preface to the Present Edition.
... of perfection, in the way along which Almighty God has called and led souls that
have been highly privileged; and the Holy Spirit, whobreatheth where He will...
Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... with all saints, is a great work; enough to crush the spirit, and to stretch the
strings of the most capacious and widened soul thatbreatheth on this side...
Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in his Death.
... life (Genesis 49. His blessed soulbreatheth nothing but blessings, and
such speeches as savour a sanctified spirit. As his outward...
Out of this Transcendent Eternal Nature, which is as Universal and...
... finite, bounded forms of the heavenly fire, and light of eternal nature, into which
creaturely beings the invisible triune Godbreatheth his invisible Spirit...
Here Now You have the Test of Truth, by which You May Always Know....
... If your zeal is after this pure, free, universal goodness of God, then of a truth
the Spirit of Godbreatheth in you; but if you feel not the love of this pure...
The Holy Spirit is no Less the Author of Spiritual Creation or...
... The Spiritbreatheth [1087] where He willeth, and thou hearest His voice, but knowest
not whence He cometh or whither He goeth, so is every one who is born of...
March the Eleventh Good and Bad Roads
... stubble," How can it stand? "The Spirit of the Lordbreatheth upon it," and
it is surely brought to nought. All the forces of holiness...
Saints' Days, Fasts, and Festivals.
... Think of the Holy Spirit as a Person having a will of His own, whobreatheth whither
He listeth, and cannot be confined to any feelings or rules of yours or of...
The Divinity of the Holy Spirit is Supported by a Passage of St. ....
... The Spiritbreatheth where He listeth, and thou hearest His voice, but knowest not
whence He cometh or whither He goeth, so is every one who is born of the...
Thesaurus
Breatheth (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Breatheth (8 Occurrences). Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah
God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, and
breatheth...Breathes (6 Occurrences)
... Hallelujah. (See RSV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness thatbreatheth out
lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (See RSV)....
Breathing (25 Occurrences)
Utters (26 Occurrences)
... He who utters a slander is a fool. (WEB RSV). Proverbs 12:17 He thatbreatheth forth
truth uttereth righteousness; but a false witness deceit. (See RSV)....
Formeth (11 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, andbreatheth
into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature....
Tarries (2 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:3 For yet the vision 'is' for a season, And itbreatheth for the end,
and doth not lie, If it tarry, wait for it, For surely it cometh, it is not...
Dissension (18 Occurrences)
... discord. (See NIV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness thatbreatheth out lies, and
he that soweth discord among brethren. (See NIV). Proverbs...
Perisheth (15 Occurrences)
... perisheth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 19:9 A false witness is not
acquitted, And whosobreatheth out lies perisheth. (YLT)....
Becometh (82 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God formeth the man -- dust from the ground, andbreatheth
into his nostrils breath of life, and the man becometh a living creature....
Breathe (17 Occurrences)
... Praise ye Jah! (YLT RSV). Proverbs 6:19 A false witness thatbreatheth out lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Root in JPS YLT RSV)....
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