SPECIAL TOPIC: BREATH, WIND, SPIRIT

SPECIAL TOPIC: BREATH, WIND, SPIRIT (OT)

The Hebrew term ruach (BDB 924) and the Greek term pneuma can mean "spirit," "breath," or "wind" (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE).

The Spirit is often associated with creation (cf. Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30). The OT does not clearly define the relationship between God and His Spirit. Usually "the Spirit" is an impersonal force that goes out from YHWH to accomplish His purposes.
In Job 28:26-28; Ps. 104:24 and Pro. 3:19; 8:22-23 God used "wisdom" (BDB 315, a FEMININE NOUN, cf. Pro. 8:12) to create all things.
In the NT Jesus is said to be God's agent in creation (cf. John 1:1-3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:2-3). As in redemption, so too, in creation, all three persons of the Godhead are involved. Genesis 1 itself does not emphasize any secondary cause (cf. Isa. 45:5-7).