The empowering perspective of human life & Holy Spirit bringing God’s presence & power to bear in the world. A translation of the Hebrew word ruach & Greek word pneuma which can be translated as “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit” – depending upon context.

In both Testaments, spirit is used of both God & human beings – whether used of God or human beings – it is difficult to define. However – the kinship of spirit, breath, & wind is a helpful clue in beginning to understand spirit. When Jesus was having a discussion with Nicodemus (John 3), Jesus said that the Spirit is like the wind that one can not see it – but one can see its effects. This is true of both the Spirit of God & the spirit of a human being.

In both OT & NT, Spirit is used of humans & of other beings. When used of HUMANS, spirit is associated with wide range of functions including – thinking & understanding, emotions, attitudes & intentions.

Elihu told Job that it was spirit in a person, the breath of God, which gave understanding (Job 32:8). When Jesus healed the paralytic, He perceived in His “spirit” that the religious leaders present were questioning His forgiving the man’s sins (Mark 2:8).

SPIRIT – is used extensively with human emotions – Including “sorrow” (Proverbs 17:4,13), “anguish” (Ex. 6:9; John 13: 21), “anger” (proverbs 14:29; 16:32)’ “vexation” (Eccl. 1:14),” fear” (2 Timothy 1:7), & “joy” (Luke 1:47).

As you can see from the above statements – Spirit can not be an invisible force like a radar beam or something coming from a car battery. The above are all expressions of a human emotions & only human beings posses them.

A variety of attitudes & intentions are associated with spirit. Caleb had a different spirit than most of his contemporaries in that he followed the Lord wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24). Sihon, king of Heshbon, had stubborn Spirit (Deuteronomy 2:30).  Radar beam can not be stubborn – unless there is no battery/power source to run it.

First Kings 22 refers to a lying spirit. Again impersonal force can not do that. The Psalmist called persons who have no deceit in their spirits, “ BLESSED”  (Psalm 32:2). A person’s spirit can be “contrite” (Ps. 51:12), “broken” (Ps. 51: 17), and “haughty” (Proverbs 16:18).

The Gospel of Mark has numerous references to Jesus healing persons with unclean or foul spirits.

Spirit is used of non-physical beings, both good & evil. Satan is called the ruler of the kingdom of the air; the spirit who is at work in those who are disobedient (Eph. 2:2).

One of the perennial points between the Sadducees & the Pharisees was over whether there are angels & spirits. The latter believed that there were such – while the former denied that such existed. When Christ risen appeared to the disciples, they were startled & frighten, thinking they were seeing a spirit. Jesus invited them to touch Him. He the reminded them that a spirit does not have flesh & bones (Luke 24:37-39).

I hope this helps explain the human spirit a little bit. If anyone wants me to go into the other aspects of spirit realm – like Spirit of God, NT Teachings, Spirits in Prison & Spiritual Gifts – I can dig up the relevant info from my library collection & send it also, But please give me some time as I have to do the research my self & then type it :-}}.