‘The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’ JOHN 3:8 (NIVUK)
One of the most evocative symbols of the Holy Spirit is that of wind, illustrating his dynamic, invisible, and omnipresent nature. The Hebrew words ruach and nishmat together with the Greek word pneuma (and its related words pneumatos and pnoēs) have the meaning wind, breath, or spirit, providing a rich perspective of the Spirit’s powerful life-giving essence.
In the Old Testament, we see that ‘the Spirit of God – ruach Elohim – was hovering over the waters.’ (Genesis 1:2). Here, ruach is depicted as the moving force in creation, bringing order out of chaos. In the next chapter, we find that God breathes the ‘breath of life’ – nishmat hayyim – into Adam, illustrating nishmat as the life-giving force from God (Genesis 2:7). While the Lord tells the dry bones of Ezekiel 37 “I will put my Spirit – ruchi (ruach +‘my’) – in you and you will live…” (v.14) denoting ruach as a divine force that empowers and revives, providing both physical and spiritual vitality.
In the New Testament, our header scripture shows Jesus comparing the Spirit [pneumatos] to the wind [pneuma]. This analogy highlights the mysterious and uncontrollable nature of the Holy Spirit, showing that he is elusive and pervasive, resembling the unpredictable flow and direction of the wind. During the Day of Pentecost, the disciples ‘…were filled with the Holy Spirit – pneumatos…’ (Acts 2:4) which was marked by ‘…a sound like the blowing of a violent wind – pnoēs…’ (v.2). This vivid description of the Holy Spirit’s arrival emphasises his transformative power and his sudden, overwhelming presence within the church akin to a mighty wind.
In developing these themes, the apostle Paul writes, ‘And if the Spirit – pneuma – of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit – pneumatos – who lives in you.’ (Romans 8:11). This indicates that the Spirit is the source of life and resurrection power. While he adds that we are, ‘…being transformed into [Christ’s] image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit – pneumatos.’ (2 Corinthians 3:18), demonstrating the transforming presence of the Spirit.
The symbolism of wind as representative of the Holy Spirit is multifaceted. Wind, by its very nature, is invisible yet perceptible, powerful yet gentle, unpredictable yet essential to life. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is unseen but felt deeply, mighty but also tender in his guidance, and vital for spiritual life. As both a gentle breeze and a mighty storm, wind captures the essence of the Spirit’s power to transform, sustain, and renew.
In embracing the symbolism of wind, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the Holy Spirit’s role in our spiritual journey, recognising that, like the wind, the Spirit moves in ways that are sometimes unseen but always impactful. This understanding encourages a greater openness to the Spirit’s guidance, trusting in his divine wisdom, relying on his divine presence, and looking to his transformative and life-giving power.
Prayer Holy Spirit, breath of God, fill us with spiritual life. May the gentle breeze of your presence bring us peace and rejuvenation. And may your power like gusts of wind sweep away everything in our lives that is displeasing to you as you transform us into the image of Christ and we soar to new heights of grace and understanding. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.