Brief Overview of πνοή (Strong’s G4157: pnoē)

Strong’s G4157: A noun derived from πνέω (to breathe/blow), meaning “breath, wind, or blast.” Used in both literal and spiritual contexts, particularly in Acts to describe the rushing wind at Pentecost and in reference to God’s life-giving breath. Closely related to the concept of spirit and divine life-giving power.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πνοή carries the primary meaning of breath or wind, but with particular emphasis on the force or power of the breath/wind. In the New Testament, it appears in two significant contexts: the dramatic rushing wind at Pentecost and God’s life-giving breath to all humanity. The early church understood this term as connecting divine power with human life, seeing it as a manifestation of God’s creative and sustaining force. Today, it reminds us of both God’s creative power and the Holy Spirit’s dynamic presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πνοή, pnoē, /pno-ay’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + n (nasal) + o (vowel) + ay (final diphthong)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πνε- (pne-) from πνέω (to breathe)
• Suffix: -οή (-oē) forming an action noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating the result or product of breathing

D – Defining Meanings

• Breath
• Wind
• Blast of air
• Life-breath
• Divine breath

Translation Options:

• Breath – Best captures the basic meaning
• Blast – Emphasizes the forceful aspect
• Life-breath – Highlights the life-giving aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πνεῦμα (pneuma) /pnyoo’-mah/ – refers more broadly to spirit/wind – See G4151
• ἄνεμος (anemos) /an’-em-os/ – refers specifically to wind – See G417
• ἀναπνοή (anapnoē) /an-ap-no-ay’/ – refers to respiration – See G422

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: πνοή
• Genitive: πνοῆς
• Dative: πνοῇ
• Accusative: πνοήν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to both natural breath and divine power. Thayer’s notes its relationship to life-giving force. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in Acts. Strong’s connects it to the breath of life. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan note its usage in medical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 2:2: “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing [πνοῆς] wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

Additional References:
Acts 17:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πνοή beautifully connects God’s creative power with His ongoing sustenance of life and the dramatic work of His Spirit. It proclaims the good news that the same God who breathed life into humanity continues to give spiritual life through Christ and empowers His church through the Holy Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πνοή appears only twice in the New Testament
2. It’s used in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew words for breath and spirit
3. Ancient medical writers used this term for respiration

Strong’s G4157: A noun derived from πνέω (to breathe/blow), meaning “breath, wind, or blast.” Used in both literal and spiritual contexts, particularly in Acts to describe the rushing wind at Pentecost and in reference to God’s life-giving breath. Closely related to the concept of spirit and divine life-giving power.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: breath, wind, blast, Pentecost, life-giving, divine power, creation, Holy Spirit, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Acts, divine breath​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​