John 20:22

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

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}:

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

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

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

John 20:22 captures a pivotal moment in the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ, revealing His immediate action to empower His disciples for the mission ahead. This verse describes a unique impartation of the Holy Spirit, distinct yet foundational to the later event of Pentecost.

Context

This verse occurs on the evening of Resurrection Day. The disciples, filled with fear and hiding behind locked doors, are suddenly met by the risen Lord. After showing them His hands and side (John 20:20) and pronouncing peace, Jesus reiterates their commission: "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). Immediately following this, He performs a symbolic action, breathing on them as He bestows the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Impartation and New Creation: The act of Jesus breathing on His disciples powerfully echoes God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7. This symbolizes a new spiritual creation, an impartation of divine life and understanding that enables them to comprehend the resurrection and their new calling. It's an internal, personal reception of the Spirit.
  • The Gift of the Holy Spirit: This moment marks the initial reception of the Holy Spirit by the disciples. While the full, public outpouring with power for evangelism and miracles would come at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), this earlier impartation likely provided them with spiritual understanding, inner peace, and the authority necessary for their immediate mission, including the understanding of sin and forgiveness mentioned in the subsequent verse (John 20:23).
  • Empowerment for Ministry: The gift of the Holy Ghost here is directly linked to their commission. It signifies that their future ministry will not be by their own strength but by divine enablement.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "breathed on" is emphusaō (ἐμφυσάω), which specifically means "to breathe into or upon." Its rare usage in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) includes the account of God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7. This strong parallel reinforces the idea of a new spiritual creation and the imparting of life from Christ Himself.

The term "Holy Ghost" (or "Holy Spirit," Pneuma Hagion in Greek) refers to the third person of the Trinity, the divine presence and power of God. This action by Jesus fulfills His prior promises to send the Comforter or Spirit of Truth, as mentioned in His farewell discourse (John 14:16).

Practical Application

For believers today, John 20:22 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is essential for understanding God's Word, living a Christ-like life, and participating in His mission. Just as the disciples needed the Spirit for their commission, so too do we rely on the Spirit for guidance, strength, and discernment. While we do not experience the Spirit's indwelling in the same physical manner, every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:13), empowering us for witness and service.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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