Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the full depth and nuance of the New Testament text. The word ἐμπνέω (empneō) is particularly significant as it is tied to concepts of breath, life, and the powerful force of inspiration. In both ancient Greek culture and New Testament interpretation, this word embodies the idea of breathing or inspiring, which carries both literal and metaphorical meanings. Its relevance extends to discussions on the divine inspiration of scripture, as well as the physical and spiritual vitality that breath symbolizes.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐμπνέω (empneō) [em-PNEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the combination of “ἐν” (en, meaning “in” or “within”) and “πνέω” (pneō, meaning “to blow” or “to breathe”). The root idea is to breathe in or to inspire.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To breathe in: The most literal meaning of ἐμπνέω is to inhale or to take in air.
• To inspire: By extension, it can also mean to inspire, in the sense of filling someone with a particular feeling or idea, often used in a metaphorical or spiritual context.

Similar Words:

• πνέω (pneō) [PNEH-oh]: A closely related verb meaning “to blow” or “to breathe.” While ἐμπνέω emphasizes the aspect of inhaling or inspiring, πνέω can refer more generally to the act of blowing or exhaling.
• ἐμπνέωσις (empneōsis) [em-PNEH-oh-sis]: A noun form derived from the same root, meaning “inspiration” or “the act of breathing in.” It highlights the process or result of ἐμπνέω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb, ἐμπνέω follows the typical conjugation patterns of Ancient Greek verbs. It is used in various tenses to describe the act of breathing in or inspiring in different contexts.
• Linguistic Features: The compound nature of the word, combining “ἐν” (in) and “πνέω” (to breathe), emphasizes the inward direction of the action, making it distinct from other words that might refer to breathing out or blowing outward.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG describes ἐμπνέω as primarily meaning “to breathe in,” but also acknowledges its metaphorical use in contexts where it refers to the inspiration or filling of a person with a particular spirit or emotion.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the dual usage of ἐμπνέω, both in the physical sense of inhaling and in the metaphorical sense of inspiring. It notes the word’s limited but significant use in Biblical and extra-biblical texts.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary focuses on the spiritual connotations of ἐμπνέω, particularly in relation to divine inspiration and the breath of life. It underscores the word’s importance in understanding passages that deal with spiritual vitality.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon expands on the classical usage of ἐμπνέω, indicating that it was used to describe both the literal act of breathing and the figurative act of inspiration in various Greek philosophical and medical texts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance emphasizes the root meanings of ἐμπνέω as “to breathe in” or “to inspire,” and its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in passages that discuss the breath of life or the inspiration of divine power.

Scripture References

• Acts 9:1 – “But Saul, still breathing (ἐμπνέων) threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπνέω (G1709: empneō)

The Greek word ἐμπνέω (empneō) is a verb that carries significant weight in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It primarily means “to breathe in,” but it also extends to the idea of inspiration, whether that be physical, emotional, or spiritual. In the New Testament, it is used to describe actions that are deeply connected to life and the divine, such as the breathing of threats by Saul in Acts 9:1. The word also resonates with ancient Greek cultural and philosophical notions about the breath of life and the inspiration that drives human action. Understanding ἐμπνέω enriches the interpretation of passages dealing with life, spirit, and divine influence.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek medicine, the act of breathing was closely associated with life itself. The word ἐμπνέω, therefore, carried not only physical but also philosophical and spiritual connotations, as breath was seen as the very essence of life. This understanding underscores the importance of ἐμπνέω in both Biblical and classical texts, where it often symbolizes the infusion of life, spirit, or divine inspiration.