Brief Overview of πνέω (Strong’s G4154: pneō)

Strong’s G4154: A primary verb meaning “to breathe” or “to blow,” particularly used of wind. In the New Testament, it often appears in contexts describing natural phenomena but carries deeper spiritual significance as the root of pneuma (Spirit) and related theological terms.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πνέω is a foundational verb describing the action of blowing or breathing. In the New Testament, it primarily appears in contexts of wind blowing, but its theological significance extends far beyond meteorological descriptions. As the root word from which πνεῦμα (Spirit) derives, it carries rich implications for understanding the nature of spiritual life and divine activity. The early church recognized the connection between physical breath/wind and spiritual life, drawing on this word’s imagery to explain the Spirit’s work. Today, it helps us understand both the tangible and intangible aspects of God’s presence and power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πνέω, pneō, /pneh’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + n (nasal) + eh (vowel) + o (final vowel)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πνε- (pne-) – primary verbal root
• Ending: -ω (-ō) – present active indicative ending
• Function: Primary verb expressing the action of breathing or blowing

D – Defining Meanings

• To blow (of wind)
• To breathe
• To exhale
• To move as breath/air

Translation Options:

• Blow – Best captures the wind movement aspect
• Breathe – Emphasizes the life-giving aspect
• Exhale – Highlights the directional movement of air

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυσάω (physaō) /foo-sah’-o/ – refers to blowing/breathing with force – See G5594
• ἐμπνέω (empneō) /emp-neh’-o/ – refers to breathing in/inspiring – See G1709
• ἐκπνέω (ekpneō) /ek-pneh’-o/ – refers to breathing out/expiring – See G1606

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples:
Present: πνέω (I blow/breathe)
Imperfect: ἔπνεον (I was blowing)
Future: πνεύσω (I will blow)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its literal meaning of wind blowing. Thayer’s notes its connection to spiritual concepts. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its relationship to pneuma. Strong’s notes its primary nature. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 7:25: “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew [ἔπνευσαν] and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

Additional References:
Matthew 7:27, Luke 12:55, John 3:8, John 6:18, Revelation 7:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πνέω beautifully illustrates how God’s Spirit moves like wind – powerful yet unseen, life-giving yet mysterious. This word reminds us that just as wind blows where it wishes, the Spirit of God moves freely in bringing new life and transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πνέω appears 7 times in the New Testament
2. It forms the root of over 25 New Testament words related to spirit/breath
3. Jesus used this word to describe the Spirit’s mysterious movement in John 3:8

Strong’s G4154: A primary verb meaning “to breathe” or “to blow,” particularly used of wind. In the New Testament, it often appears in contexts describing natural phenomena but carries deeper spiritual significance as the root of pneuma (Spirit) and related theological terms.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: blow, breathe, wind, Spirit, pneumatology, natural phenomena, divine activity, spiritual life, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, meteorological terms, theological imagery​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​