PORTRAYAL OF THE WORD (SPIRIT) IN THE HOLY BIBLE

There are several spirits in the pages of the bible. When we run across this word we must be able to define it at each instance. Once a person begins to understand the different types of spirits, and how the word spirit is used, all the guessing games will be alleviated.

By properly dividing the scriptures, we will cut down on all of the confusion of an individual’s creative ability. In other words, read the scripture and allow the book to explain itself. Many people today think when the word spirit is used in the pages of the bible it either has no substantial existence, or some imagined form of shapeless apparition.

When spirit is used does it represent a phantom only? Or does it portray other things? We will take a look at this word in the pages of the bible and see what the scriptures have to say about this.

Let's take a close look at this word and see if we can gain an understanding as to how it's used in the scriptures.

Let us begin this study in Genesis chapter 1.


In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)

When Moses wrote this, what did he mean by "the spirit of God moving the upon the face of the waters?" Was it the Lord Himself, or was it a ghost that was floating above the waters, or some shapeless mist flying around?

Take a look at this verse in the 104th Psalm.

Thou sendest forth
thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. (Psalm 104:30)



What spirits are sent forth that they may create? What spirit is sent forth by the Lord that renewed the face of the earth? Before we answer these questions let's see the Lord's method of operation. Is it Jesus that does all these things, or does He give the order and it come to pass? How do these things come to pass? Let's take a look at how the Lord destroyed Egypt, and we will see how the Lord operates. We will take a look at some of the plagues the Lord sent to destroy Egypt, then we will see how they came to pass. We will not concern ourselves with the story line. We are looking for the definition or the portrayal of the word "spirit" and how it is used in certain verses.

Let's pick this up in Exodus the 7th chapter.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. (Exodus 7:19)

We see above that Moses and Aaron were sent to bring this plague correct? Was it really the rod that changed the water to blood?


Let's look at another plague in the 8th chapter of Exodus.


And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, "Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt." (Exodus 8:16)

We see once again Moses and Aaron were sent by the Lord and told to stretch out the rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Was it the rod that brought forth the lice? Let's take a look at more plagues and then we will see who or what brought forth these plagues upon Egypt.

Let's go into the 9th chapter of Exodus and pay close attention to what the Lord says to Moses.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. (Exodus 9:13-18)

Note what the Lord says, "For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence. I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail"

Let's skip to the 22nd verse and see what Moses did.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. (Exodus 9:22-24)

Was it the rod or was it by the hand of the Lord that the plagues were brought upon the land of Egypt? Let's see who brought these to pass. Let us have the scriptures interpret this for us.

Take a look at the 78th Psalm.

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Psalms 78:43-49)

So, who brought forth the plagues?

It was evil angels who brought them forth. The Lord operates through His angels. Yes, brothers and sisters the Lord uses evil angels as well as holy angels to bring things to pass.

In the case of Genesis chapter one where it states, "The spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters," it wasn't God Himself, rather it was a spirit of God. The Lord sent forth His spirit or His angel to create and renew the face of the earth, as it is stated in the 104th Psalm.

Now that we see that the Lord operates through His angels why did Moses write "the spirit of God moved upon the waters," instead of angel?

Let's return to the 104th Psalm and find out why Moses chose the term spirit.

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: (Psalms 104:4)

We see that the angels are made of spirits. That's why Moses wrote the word spirit and not angel. The simple fact is, that angels are spirits. In the case of Genesis chapter one, verse two the definition or the portrayal of the word spirit is "angel" and not a phantom or boogie man.

Notice in the scripture above the Lord also calls them His ministers? What is a minister? One who takes care of, tends to, or cares for.

That is exactly what the spirits/angels of God do; they take care of the Lord's business. The spirit that moved upon the waters was simply an angel.

We will look at the Book of Job in the 27th chapter.

We will see the word "spirit" is also used, but does this refer to an angel or something else?

Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; (Job 27:1-3)

What does the spirit represent in this set of scriptures? Is it an angel living in Job's nostrils?

Notice something else that Job stated; "the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul." The "soul" what is it? Common belief is that the soul is inside of man. Is that a correct statement?

Let's go back to the creation of man. Let's see if we can find out what this spirit is in Job's nostrils, and also what is the soul.

Take note and go with what the scriptures say.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)

Above we see the two elements that a man was created from. The dust of the ground and the breath of life. Where did the Lord place this breath of life?

He placed it in the man's nostrils. When Job said, "All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils." He simply meant that the "breath of life" is the "spirit" in his nostrils.

In other words, the air that we breathe is one of the "spirits" of God which gives life to the soul. Note something else within the 7th verse of Genesis chapter 2.

What did man become when the breath of life or spirit was administered to him? "MAN BECAME A LIVING SOUL!" The scripture did not say, "the soul was placed in the man."

Plain and simple the man is the soul.

Let's return to the book of Job, and listen carefully to what Elihu says when the spirit of God is taken away from man.

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. (Job 34:14-15)

If the Lord withdrew the breath of life or the spirit of God all flesh would perish and man would return to dust. In other words, man will become a dead soul.

Once again we see the basic units of man, but in this case we see one of the elements being taken away. So, we see that the word "spirit" in this case portrays the breath of life.

Let us direct our attention to another form of the spirit. This spirit will provide us with eternal life.

Let's take a look at Paul's writings and see if we can figure out what spirit he spoke of that dwells within man.

Keep this in mind; man is created of the breath of life and the dust of the ground. Two basic elements, no more and no less.

Take heed to what our beloved brother Paul says:

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)

Wait a minute! Paul has added something else to man! This spirit dwells within us. Was Moses wrong when he stated; "man was formed from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life and man became a living soul?" Remember, Moses was the only prophet that spoke to the Lord face to face. Do you think Moses had a slip of the pen? What does Paul mean when he states; "if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you."

Notice something else in this verse. Paul states; "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." If this spirit does not dwell within us we are not the Lord's.

Let's back up in this chapter and see if we can find out what Paul meant by this.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

Note Paul says, "After the spirit," but in verse 9 he states, "The spirit dwells within us." How can we be made free from the law of sin? Remember sin is the transgression of the law (I John 3:4). So, if we are made free from the law of sin and have the spirit of life, all we have to do is simply stop committing willful sins.

But, what is this spirit that dwells within us, and if we do not have this spirit we are not the Lord's?

Let's take the chief apostle’s (Peter) advice and return to the prophets.

We will go into the Book of Ezekiel and see this spirit that dwells within us. We will see that the Lord is giving us an example on how this spirit dwells within us and what we should do to obtain this spirit. After reading Ezekiel, we will see that Moses did not fail to inform us that man was brought into existence with only two basic elements.

Let's take a look.

And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. (Ezekiel 2:1-2)

Note what Ezekiel states; "I will speak unto thee." When the Lord spoke to Ezekiel what happened? The second verse states, "the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me." So, when the Lord spoke, the spirit entered into Ezekiel.

Was this some type of possession or boogie man? No!

Let's go further in this chapter and see what this spirit was that entered into Ezekiel.

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiff hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. (Ezekiel 2:3-7)

Israel hasn't changed, even today. They are still a rebellious house and will not hear the word of the Lord no matter how plain someone brings it to them. Notice in the 7th verse it states, "Thou shall speak my words." Ezekiel was told to speak what thus says the Lord, not thus says Ezekiel.

How did Ezekiel receive the knowledge of the Lord? Let's continue.

But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, a hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; and he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. (Ezekiel 2:8-10)

This is how Ezekiel obtained the knowledge of the Lord, by reading the book. Notice we have been given something material so that we can understand the spiritual concept. Notice verse 8 states, "Hear what I say onto thee." How do we hear? With our ears, correct? But, the next part of the verse states, "Open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee."

Was this literal food that was given to him? No! Take a look at verse 9 again. Behold, a hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; and he spread it before me; and it was written within and without."

This is our example sisters and brothers. How would a person eat a book? By reading it!

Let's go in the third chapter and see what takes place next.


Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. (Ezekiel 3:1-4)

Note what's being said, "Eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel." Or in other words, read this roll and then go unto the house of Israel. If you call yourself a servant of God and haven't read the book, how can you take it to other people. This is exceedingly prevalent in the world today as well in the past. As Solomon has said, "there is nothing new under the sun."

You cannot be a servant of the Most High God if you do not read His entire book. After Ezekiel read the roll what was he told to do? "Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them." Ezekiel wasn't told, "Okay, sense you have read my book, go and speak your own words unto the house of Israel." The Lord told him to speak the Word of God! A similar account was given by the Lord in the book of John. Note how the Lord gives us a physical item which will provide us with the spiritual concept.

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. (John 6:58-59)

What does the Lord mean when He states, "He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." In the Book of Ezekiel the Lord says eat the roll correct? So what is this bread? Let's cut to the chase and see exactly what this spirit is that Paul says, "Dwells within us".

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)

Note this, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Plain and simple, the Word of God is "spirit". Once Ezekiel read the roll he was full of the spirit of God, meaning the word of God.

Note what Christ says to one of the Pharisees,


And he said unto him, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17)

If we keep His commandments or His word or follow after His spirit as Paul states in Romans the 8th chapter we will enter into eternal life. In other words, if we keep the Lord's commandments, word, spirit, then we are considered His. In this case, the word "spirit" is the Word of God. In view of the fact that the word of God is also called spirit and gives life eternal, lets allow the scriptures to identify another form of the spirit. This spirit is part of an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons. Yes brothers and sisters, the thoughts of our mind are also called spirit. With that being said, let us take a look at a few verses that will put a firm basis on this conclusion. .

Let us return to the book of Ezekiel. We are not concerned with the story line; we are only proving that thoughts of the mind are also called spirit.

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: (Ezekiel 11:19)

Note what the verse says, "I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you." What does "one heart" mean? Do we think with our hearts? No, a heart is a hollow muscular organ that circulates blood throughout the body.

The Lord simply meant like minded, or of one mind. What is this new spirit that will be placed into the children of Israel, or anyone else that takes hold of the Word of God? Take a look at the next verse.

That they may walk in my statutes and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:20)

Notice what the scripture says, "They may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them." So, the spirit that will be placed in them is simply the Word of God. Once this spirit is placed in a person what type of mind set will they have?

Let's return to Romans chapter 8.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

Remember sisters and brothers what the Lord said in Matthew the 19th chapter the 17th verse, "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments". Thus we become spiritually minded if we keep the Lord's commandments.

Note what Paul states next:

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)

Why is a carnal minded person an enemy of God? A carnal minded person is simply not following after the spirit/word of God. Note what Paul says, in Romans the second chapter:

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Romans 2:13)

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:25)

Once again, what mind set will this person have? They will be spiritually minded and will be blessed indeed at the appearing of the Lord Jesus, coming in His kingdom. At that time we will receive our reward for following after the "spirit" (word) of God.

Let's continue. Take notice of the statements David makes in the 51st Psalm, let's begin at the 6th verse.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6)

Yeah, sisters and brothers the Lord desires truth in the inward parts. After obtaining the truth which is the Word of God, wisdom will follow.

Note what David says in the 10th verse.


Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Note what David states; "renew a right spirit within me." Once we have this renewed spirit what will happen? Let's skip to the 13th verse.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. (Psalm 51:13)

Once we have renewed our spirit, or renewed the thoughts of our mind, not being a forgetful hearer, but actually walking in the Lords commandments, we will be able to teach transgressors the ways of the Lord and they will be converted unto Him.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

Let's conclude this portion of this study with a few verses from Ephesians the 4th chapter.

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:19-25)

Note what Paul says; "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." To make it plain and simple, try to keep your thoughts on the Law of the Lord in all things. Sure, all of us commit some type of sin; the danger comes in when a person becomes a practitioner of sin. So, sisters and brothers this form of the spirit are the thoughts of your mind.

Now that we see the thoughts of the mind are also called spirit, let's allow the scripture to show us another form of the spirit.

Let's take a look at Samson in the Book of Judges.

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi. And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day. (Judges 15:17-19)

Samson had killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ---. He became very thirsty. So what happened? "God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived." The form of the spirit in this case is simply being refreshed or brought back from weariness. Not an actual being possessing or entering his body. That only happens at the movies.

Let's recap what we have learned thus far. In the beginning of this study we located scriptures that pointed out that the angels are spirits and also ministers of God, be they good or evil. We have seen that the breath of life is a form of the spirit and once this spirit is administered to a soul, being man or beast, they become a living soul. We have also seen the Word of God is called spirit and if we walk in this spirit we become spiritually minded meaning the thoughts of the mind are also called spirit.

Let's take a look at one other form of the spirit. Let's return to Romans chapter 8 and pick it up at the 26th verse.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 9

Note what the verse says, "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, we know not what we should pray for: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us." What spirit is this that makes intercession for us? Before we find out what the spirit portrays in the verse above, let's read the next verse.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27)

After reading that verse we should have an idea who this spirit is. Note what the verse states, "he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit." Wait a minute. We see here that "he" that searches the hearts knows the mind of the Spirit. What did Paul mean?

Let's find out who searches the hearts/mind before we answer this question. We will allow the Book to tell us. Let's go into I Chronicles the 28th chapter and pick this up at the 8th verse. Note what David says to Solomon, take good heed to the instructions!


Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. (I Chronicles 28:8)

We should have noticed thus far we can not escape the Lord's commandments. Let's read the next verse.

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (I Chronicles 28:9)

So who is this "HE" in Romans the 8th chapter that searcheth the hearts and knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit. What does it say above in I Chronicles? "For the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee."

How will the Lord be found in us? If His word dwells within us. This is what makes the Lord extremely dangerous, meaning He knows and understands all the imaginations of our thoughts. On judgment day he will not ask us any questions. He will look into our minds and make a just decision to allow us to live with Him forever or throw us in the Lake of Fire.

The "He" in Romans the 8th chapter that knows the mind of the "Spirit" in none other than the Father. But, who is the "Spirit" that makes intercession for the saints according to the will of Father?

Let' return to Romans the 8th chapter and allow the book to tell us.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:32-34)

Therefore, sisters and brothers, who is the Spirit in the 27th verse? It is Christ who sits on the right hand of the Father and makes intercession for us. In this case the spirit is Jesus the Son of God. As we have seen sisters and brothers there are several forms of the "spirit" each portraying a different thing. When the word spirit is used in the pages of the Holy Bible we must be able to define it in each case. How will we be able to do that?

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:9-10)

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)

May the Lord add a blessing to the reading of His Word. Amen.

peace in jesus jame