Brief Overview of ἐμφυσάω (Strong’s G1720: emphysao)

Introduction

The study of Greek words in the New Testament provides rich insights into the text’s deeper meanings and cultural contexts. The Greek verb ἐμφυσάω (emphysao), meaning “to blow into” or “to breathe upon,” is particularly significant because of its powerful imagery and theological implications. This word, though used sparingly in the New Testament, carries profound symbolic weight, especially in the context of the Holy Spirit’s impartation. Understanding ἐμφυσάω not only deepens our comprehension of specific biblical passages but also connects us to ancient Greek practices and beliefs about breath, spirit, and life.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμφυσάω (emphysao) [em-phoo-SAH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) and φυσάω (physao, “to blow” or “to breathe”). The combination emphasizes the action of blowing into or breathing upon something.
• Part of Speech: Verb (regular verb in the aorist tense)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Blow Into: The primary meaning of ἐμφυσάω is “to blow into,” often with the connotation of imparting life or spirit.
• To Breathe Upon: In some contexts, it is used metaphorically to describe the act of breathing upon someone, symbolizing the giving of life, power, or blessing.

Similar Words:

• πνέω (pneo) [PNEH-oh]: This word means “to blow” or “to breathe,” similar to ἐμφυσάω but without the direct implication of imparting life or spirit.
• ἀναπνέω (anapneo) [an-ap-NEH-oh]: Meaning “to breathe again” or “to recover breath,” it is related but focuses more on the act of breathing itself rather than the symbolic action of giving life or spirit.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb, ἐμφυσάω follows regular conjugation patterns in Greek. It appears primarily in the aorist tense, emphasizing a specific action of breathing into or upon something.
• Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν- (en-) combined with φυσάω (physao) intensifies the action, indicating not just the act of blowing or breathing but the deliberate action of imparting something essential, like life or spirit.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights the theological significance of ἐμφυσάω, particularly in John 20:22, where Jesus breathes on His disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit. This act is seen as a deliberate and symbolic impartation of divine power.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the connection between ἐμφυσάω and the Hebrew concept of “ruach,” or spirit, showing how this Greek term encapsulates the idea of giving life or spirit through breath, a powerful act that transcends mere physical action.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐμφυσάω is used only once in the New Testament, but its significance is profound. The word connects the physical act of breathing with the spiritual act of imparting life, a theme prevalent in both Jewish and early Christian thought.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides classical context, showing that ἐμφυσάω was used in Greek literature to describe the act of blowing into something, often in the context of ritual or healing, indicating its symbolic significance even outside biblical usage.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμφυσάω as “to blow into or upon,” noting its use in the New Testament to describe the impartation of the Holy Spirit, linking it directly to divine action.

Scripture References

• John 20:22: “And when he had said this, he breathed on them (ἐμφυσάω) and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμφυσάω (G1720: emphysao)

The Greek verb ἐμφυσάω (emphysao) is a rich and evocative word that plays a pivotal role in understanding the theological depth of certain New Testament passages. It is most notably used in John 20:22, where Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon His disciples, symbolizing the impartation of divine life and power. The word carries with it a sense of deliberate and sacred action, connecting the physical act of breathing with spiritual transformation. Its use in both biblical and classical Greek contexts highlights its importance in religious and ritualistic settings, making it a key term for exploring themes of life, spirit, and divine intervention.

Did You Know?

The act of breathing upon someone as a symbol of imparting life or spirit is found in many ancient cultures, not just in Greek thought. For example, in ancient Egyptian rituals, priests would breathe life into statues of gods, symbolizing the god’s presence within the statue. This practice underscores the universal significance of breath as a symbol of life and spirit across different cultures and religions.