John 20:22

KJV

And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had said {G2036} this {G5124}, he breathed on {G1720} them, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Receive ye {G2983} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh!

Berean Standard Bible

When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:22 captures a profound post-resurrection encounter where the risen Jesus, having commissioned His disciples, performs a symbolic act of breathing on them, thereby imparting the Holy Spirit. This pivotal moment signifies a new spiritual creation, empowering them with spiritual understanding, peace, and the necessary authority for their immediate mission, laying the groundwork for the broader outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated on the evening of Resurrection Day, immediately following Jesus' first appearance to His disciples in the upper room. The disciples are gathered behind locked doors, gripped by fear (implied by their hiding, [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "Jesus Appears to the Disciples")). Jesus suddenly appears, pronounces peace, and then shows them His hands and side, confirming His physical resurrection ([John 20:20](/john/20-20 "Jesus Shows His Wounds")). Having calmed their fears and established His identity, Jesus reiterates their mission, stating, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" ([John 20:21](/john/20-21 "Jesus Sends His Disciples")). The act of breathing on them and imparting the Holy Spirit in verse 22 is thus presented as the direct, immediate enablement for this newly reiterated commission, providing the divine capacity for the task ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of breathing carries profound significance in both Old Testament and ancient Near Eastern thought, often symbolizing the impartation of life, spirit, or divine power. Most notably, it directly echoes the creation account in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam"), where God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." This cultural and theological backdrop imbues Jesus' action with the weight of a new creation, a spiritual re-birthing. Furthermore, the Jewish people eagerly awaited the outpouring of the Spirit prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the New Covenant (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant") and [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ekiel/36-26-27 "New Heart and Spirit")). While not the full, public Pentecostal outpouring, this moment in [John 20](/john/20 "John Chapter 20 - The Resurrection") represents a crucial initial fulfillment of these long-held expectations, providing personal spiritual life and understanding to the disciples.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **New Creation** and **Spiritual Rebirth**, echoing the Genesis account and signaling the dawn of a new spiritual order inaugurated by Christ's resurrection. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Mission**. The impartation of the Spirit is directly linked to the disciples' commission, emphasizing that their ministry is not by human strength but by divine enablement, a theme consistently present throughout [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ"). Thirdly, it distinguishes between an **Initial Impartation** of the Spirit for spiritual understanding and peace, and the later **Pentecostal Outpouring** for public power and witness ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Day of Pentecost")). This verse marks the beginning of the Spirit's indwelling in the New Covenant community, essential for comprehending the resurrection and the subsequent ministry of reconciliation mentioned in [John 20:23](/john/20-23 "Disciples' Authority to Forgive Sins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **breathed on (Greek, _emphysáō'_):** This verb (G1720) is derived from "en" (in) and "physao" (to puff or blow). As per the Strong's data, it means "to blow at or on." Its specific usage here, particularly in light of its rare appearance in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam") where God breathes life into Adam, powerfully evokes the idea of a divine life-giving act. Jesus' action is not merely symbolic; it is an active, creative impartation, signaling a new spiritual genesis for His disciples.
* **Receive ye (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb (G2983) is a primary verb meaning "to take" or "to get hold of" in a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it is an imperative, a command to "take" or "receive" the Holy Spirit. It implies an active reception on the part of the disciples, a willingness to accept the divine gift that Jesus is bestowing. This is not a passive experience but an active appropriation of what is being given, essential for their spiritual vitality and future ministry.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This noun (G4151) primarily refers to "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze." By analogy or figuratively, it extends to "a spirit," encompassing the human rational soul, vital principle, mental disposition, or, as here, a superhuman or divine spirit. When combined with "Holy" (G40, _hágios_), "Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) refers to the third person of the Trinity, the divine presence and power of God. The connection between "breath" and "spirit" in the Greek (and Hebrew, _ruach_) is profound, reinforcing that Jesus is imparting not merely an influence but a divine, life-giving Person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had said this,"**: This phrase emphasizes the direct connection between Jesus' commission in [John 20:21](/john/20-21 "Jesus Sends His Disciples") and the subsequent impartation of the Spirit. The Spirit is given precisely for the fulfillment of the mission Jesus has just articulated, indicating that divine enablement is prerequisite for divine calling.
* **"he breathed on [them],"**: This is the central, highly symbolic action of the verse. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, Jesus' act of breathing echoes God's life-giving breath in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam"), signifying a new spiritual creation. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality, a tangible act demonstrating the divine origin and nature of the gift He is about to bestow.
* **"and saith unto them,"**: This introduces Jesus' verbal command, making explicit the nature of the gift being imparted. The spoken word accompanies the symbolic action, clarifying its purpose and significance to the disciples.
* **"Receive ye the Holy Ghost:"**: This is Jesus' direct command and impartation. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is presented as a gift to be received, indicating that the Spirit is a distinct person of the Godhead, capable of being given and received. This moment marks the initial indwelling of the Spirit in the disciples, providing them with spiritual life, understanding, and the foundational empowerment needed for their immediate post-resurrection period, distinct from the later public outpouring at Pentecost.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as Jesus' act of breathing directly symbolizes the impartation of divine life and the Holy Spirit. This action is a powerful **Allusion** to the creation narrative in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam"), casting Jesus as the new Adam, the source of new spiritual life for humanity. This connection highlights the theme of **New Creation**, implying that just as God breathed physical life into the first man, Jesus breathes spiritual life into His new covenant community. Furthermore, the event serves as **Foreshadowing** for the greater, public outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts Chapter 2 - The Day of Pentecost")), indicating that this initial impartation is a foundational step in the Spirit's work in the church. The direct command, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," functions as a **Divine Imperative**, emphasizing the authority of Jesus as the one who bestows the Spirit and the necessity for the disciples to actively embrace this gift.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:22 is a foundational text for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant. It demonstrates that the resurrected Christ is the source of the Spirit, and that the Spirit's impartation is intrinsically linked to the new life and mission of believers. This moment, occurring before Pentecost, signifies an initial, personal reception of the Spirit, likely for spiritual illumination, peace, and the ability to comprehend the resurrection and their new identity in Christ. It underscores the truth that true spiritual life and effective ministry are impossible apart from the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, making every believer a participant in Christ's ongoing mission through divine enablement.

* [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam")
* [Ezekiel 37:9](/ezekiel/37-9 "Prophecy of Breath Entering Dry Bones")
* [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 20:22 profoundly reminds us that spiritual life and effective service in God's kingdom are not self-generated but are gifts from the risen Christ, mediated by the Holy Spirit. Just as the disciples, despite having walked with Jesus, needed a fresh impartation of the Spirit to understand the resurrection and embark on their mission, so too do believers today rely entirely on the Spirit for spiritual vitality. The Spirit empowers us to grasp the truths of God's Word, to live lives that reflect Christ's character, and to participate in His redemptive work in the world. This verse calls us to a conscious reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, discernment, and the courage to proclaim the Gospel, knowing that our sufficiency comes from God alone through His Spirit. It invites us to continually "receive" and yield to the Spirit's transforming power in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of breathing on His disciples in John 20:22 deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in new creation and spiritual life?**
* **In what ways do you recognize your need for the Holy Spirit's empowerment to fulfill the mission Christ has given to all believers?**
* **How can you more intentionally "receive" or yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in your daily walk and service?**
* **Considering the distinction between this initial impartation and Pentecost, what does this teach us about the progressive work of the Spirit in a believer's life and in the church?**

### FAQ
**Was this the same event as Pentecost?**

Answer: No, John 20:22 is distinct from the event of Pentecost described in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts Chapter 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). While both involve the impartation of the Holy Spirit, they serve different purposes and manifest in different ways. John 20:22 describes an initial, personal impartation to the disciples for spiritual understanding, peace, and the authority to comprehend the resurrection and their immediate commission. It was an internal, life-giving breath. Pentecost, occurring 50 days later, was a public, corporate outpouring of the Spirit, accompanied by powerful signs (tongues of fire, speaking in other languages), equipping the disciples with power for public witness and evangelism to establish the church ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to Be Witnesses")). John 20:22 was a foundational, private empowerment, whereas Pentecost was a public, missional empowerment.

**What does it mean to "receive ye the Holy Ghost"?**

Answer: To "receive ye the Holy Ghost" in this context means to accept and experience the impartation of the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ. For the disciples on that Resurrection evening, it signified a profound spiritual transformation and enablement. It was the fulfillment of Jesus' promises to send the Comforter or Spirit of Truth ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")). This reception provided them with inner peace, spiritual understanding of Christ's finished work, and the authority necessary for their immediate post-resurrection ministry, including the understanding of sin and forgiveness mentioned in the very next verse ([John 20:23](/john/20-23 "Disciples' Authority to Forgive Sins")). For believers today, while we do not experience the Spirit's coming in the same physical manner, every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon faith in Christ, marking them as God's own and empowering them for life and service ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:22 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating that Jesus, as the resurrected Lord, is the ultimate source and bestower of the Holy Spirit. This act of breathing on His disciples directly connects to His completed work on the cross and His triumph over death, for it is only through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that the Spirit could be fully poured out. Jesus, the "last Adam," breathes new spiritual life into humanity, just as the first Adam received physical life from God ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "The Last Adam")). This moment fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Spirit's outpouring in the Messianic age ([Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")), with Christ Himself being the one who "baptizes with the Holy Ghost" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "John the Baptist's Prophecy of Jesus")). By imparting the Spirit, Jesus empowers His disciples to continue His mission, making them living witnesses to His resurrection and the transforming power of His finished work, thereby establishing the church as the Spirit-indwelt body of Christ, equipped to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to Be Witnesses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 33:4

The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Genesis 2:7

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.

Acts 8:15

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Acts 19:2

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.