Greek · Breath · Creation · Life

ἐνεφύσησεν

enephysesen

Often translated as: He breathed into

A word connected to the act of breathing life into. It carries intimacy, creation, and divine nearness.

Translation range

breathed · breathed into · inspired

Beneath the translation

This verb appears only twice in Scripture — in Genesis 2:7 (the Septuagint) and John 20:22. Both times, life is given through a deliberate, near, almost intimate exhale.

Why this matters

It connects creation and new creation in a single, quiet gesture. The same God who breathed life into Adam breathes the Spirit onto the disciples.

In context

Genesis 2:7 (LXX)
ἐνεφύσησεν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ πνοὴν ζωῆς
"He breathed into his face the breath of life."
The first appearance: God leans in close to the human form and exhales life.
John 20:22
ἐνεφύσησεν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· λάβετε πνεῦμα ἅγιον
"He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
The same rare verb returns. The risen Christ re-enacts the gesture of Genesis.

Reflection

What if creation begins not with distance, but with breath?

For contemplation

Two scenes, separated by centuries, share one verb. In Eden, God leans into the dust and exhales. In a locked room, the risen Christ leans toward frightened disciples and exhales again. Creation and new creation are not announced from a distance — they are breathed near.

Questions to sit with

01
Where in your life have you been waiting for thunder, when the gift might come as breath?
02
If God's first act toward humanity was nearness, how does that reshape your image of God?
03
What would it mean to receive your own life today, again, as breath that was given?