Brief Overview of πνευματικός (Strong’s G4152: pneumatikos)

Strong’s G4152: An adjective derived from πνεῦμα (spirit), describing that which belongs to or is determined by the Spirit. It characterizes qualities, persons, or things that are spiritual in nature, influenced by the Holy Spirit, or pertaining to the spiritual realm, as opposed to the natural or carnal.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πνευματικός is a crucial theological term that describes anything relating to or influenced by the Spirit, particularly the Holy Spirit. As a compound word, it combines the root πνεῦμα (spirit) with the suffix -ικός (pertaining to). In the New Testament, it distinguishes spiritual realities from earthly ones, often contrasting with ψυχικός (natural) and σαρκικός (fleshly). The early church used this term to describe those who were mature in faith and living under the Spirit’s influence. Today, it remains vital for understanding spiritual growth, discernment, and the Spirit-led life.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πνευματικός, pneumatikos, /pnyoo-mat-ee-kos’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + n (nasal) + yoo (vowel) + mat (closed syllable) + ee (vowel) + kos (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πνεῦμα (pneuma) – “spirit”
• Suffix: -ικός (-ikos) – adjectival suffix meaning “pertaining to, characterized by”
• Function: Creates an adjective describing qualities related to spirit/Spirit

D – Defining Meanings

• Spiritual (relating to the Spirit)
• Spirit-influenced
• Non-material/supernatural
• Spirit-guided
• Pertaining to spiritual gifts

For compound words:
The root πνεῦμα provides the base meaning of “spirit,” while -ικός transforms it into an adjective describing qualities or characteristics related to spirit/Spirit

Translation Options:

• Spiritual – Best captures the general sense of Spirit-relation
• Spirit-led – Emphasizes active influence of the Spirit
• Spirit-filled – Highlights the state of being controlled by the Spirit

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σαρκικός (sarkikos) /sar-kee-kos’/ – refers to fleshly/carnal nature – See G4559
• ψυχικός (psychikos) /psoo-khee-kos’/ – refers to natural/unspiritual state – See G5591
• νοητικός (noetikos) /no-ay-tee-kos’/ – refers to intellectual/mental capacity – See G3563

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 1st and 2nd declension adjective

Examples:

• Masculine: πνευματικός, πνευματικοῦ, πνευματικῷ, πνευματικόν
• Feminine: πνευματική, πνευματικῆς, πνευματικῇ, πνευματικήν
• Neuter: πνευματικόν, πνευματικοῦ, πνευματικῷ, πνευματικόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s connection to the divine Spirit and spiritual gifts. Thayer’s notes its contrast with natural and carnal states. LSJ tracks its development in Greek philosophy. Vine’s highlights its use in describing spiritual persons and gifts. Strong’s emphasizes its non-material aspect. LEH notes its rare Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its religious significance in early Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Romans 1:11: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual [πνευματικὸν] gift to strengthen you.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 12:1, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 1:3, Colossians 1:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πνευματικός reveals the transformative power of the Spirit in believers’ lives, distinguishing Spirit-led living from mere natural existence. This word proclaims the good news that through Christ, we can live spiritual lives, guided by the Holy Spirit, experiencing supernatural wisdom, power, and transformation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πνευματικός appears 26 times in the New Testament
2. Paul uses it most frequently in discussions of spiritual gifts
3. It played a key role in early Christian debates about spiritual authority

Strong’s G4152: An adjective derived from πνεῦμα (spirit), describing that which belongs to or is determined by the Spirit. It characterizes qualities, persons, or things that are spiritual in nature, influenced by the Holy Spirit, or pertaining to the spiritual realm, as opposed to the natural or carnal.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: spiritual, Holy Spirit, Spirit-led, supernatural, spiritual gifts, pneumatology, Christian life, spiritual growth, spiritual discernment, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Pauline theology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​