ἐμφυσάω

I breathe into, breathe upon

Definition

The verb ἐμφυσάω means 'to breathe into' or 'to breathe upon.' In its single New Testament occurrence in John 20:22, it describes Jesus breathing on his disciples and saying, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' This action is a deliberate, symbolic impartation, distinct from the more common verb for breathing (πνέω). The word carries a sense of intimate, life-giving communication, reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam in the Septuagint's Greek translation of Genesis 2:7 (where the same verb is used).

Biblical Usage

ἐμφυσάω is used only once in the New Testament, in John 20:22. It occurs in the post-resurrection narrative where Jesus appears to his disciples. The usage is highly intentional and symbolic, directly connecting the act of breathing with the giving of the Holy Spirit. There are no other patterns, as it is a unique event recorded only in John's Gospel.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, 'in' or 'on') and the verb φυσάω (physaō, 'to blow' or 'to breathe'). It literally means 'to blow in' or 'to breathe into.' Its most significant cognate usage is in the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of Genesis 2:7, where God 'breathed into' (ἐνεφύσησεν) Adam's nostrils the breath of life.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically profound. It directly links the new creation in Christ with the original creation of humanity. Jesus's act of breathing the Holy Spirit onto the disciples (John 20:22) mirrors and fulfills God's life-giving breath in Genesis 2:7. It signifies the inauguration of the new covenant community, empowered by the Spirit for mission and forgiveness of sins. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the deliberate, intimate, and creative power of Jesus's action, establishing the church as a new creation.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, breath (πνεῦμα/pneuma) was intimately connected with life, spirit, and divine power. The action of breathing upon someone was understood as a transfer of essence, authority, or life force. For Jewish readers familiar with the Greek Old Testament, Jesus's use of this specific verb would have immediately evoked the creation narrative, framing his act as one of new creation and divine commissioning.

πνέω (pneō, G4154) — a more general term for blowing or breathing, as of wind (e.g., John 3:8). ἐμφυσάω implies a directed, purposeful breathing upon or into a specific object or person.

Word Details

Scripture References