The meaning and significance of the (Hebrew) Name "Ruach Elohim"
"Ruach Elohim" (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים), meaning "The spirit of God," appears in the Hebrew Bible and carries deep spiritual and theological significance, especially in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Literal Meaning
- Ruach (רוּחַ): This Hebrew word means "spirit," "breath," or "wind." It is a feminine noun and is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to denote invisible forces — like wind, breath, or divine spirit.
- Elohim (אֱלֹהִים): This is a plural form of the word for God (El), but when referring to the God of Israel, it's usually treated as singular. It emphasizes majesty, power, or divine authority.
So, "Ruach Elohim" translates literally as: "The Spirit of God" or "The Breath/Wind of God"
Biblical Appearances and Context
1. Creation
- Genesis 1:2 “...וְרוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם” “...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” This is the first mention of Ruach Elohim and it portrays the divine spirit as an active, life-giving force preparing the cosmos for creation.
2. Empowerment of Leaders and Prophets
- Judges 3:10 – "The Spirit of the Lord came upon him [Othniel], and he judged Israel."
- 1 Samuel 10:10 – The Spirit of God comes upon Saul, and he prophesies.
In these cases, "Ruach Elohim" is associated with divine empowerment, prophecy, leadership, and extraordinary strength or wisdom.
Theological Significance
In Judaism:
- Ruach Elohim is often understood as God’s dynamic, creative, and sustaining power.
- It is not seen as a separate "person" or entity but as God's active presence — especially in prophecy, wisdom, or acts of creation.
In Christianity:
- "Ruach Elohim" is often identified with the Holy Spirit (Greek: Pneuma Theou), the third person of the Trinity.
- Christians see this "Spirit of God" as playing a key role in creation, inspiration of Scripture, and in the life of believers.