from ἐν and (to puff) (compare φύω); to blow at or on:--breathe on.
Transliteration:emphysáō
Pronunciation:em-foo-sah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb φυσάω (physáō), meaning "to blow" or "to puff." Therefore, its core meaning is "to blow into," "to breathe upon," or "to inflate by blowing." The action implies a deliberate and purposeful imparting of something through the breath, often associated with life, spirit, or divine power. It signifies more than a casual exhalation; it is an act of intentional transfer or animation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a moment of profound theological significance:
* **[[John 20:22]]**: "And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
* This singular occurrence takes place after Jesus' resurrection, as He appears to His disciples. Following His commission to them ("As the Father has sent Me, I also send you"), Jesus performs this unique act. The immediate context is the commissioning of the disciples for their apostolic ministry, which includes the authority to declare the forgiveness or retention of sins ([[John 20:23]]).
* The action of Jesus "breathing on them" (ἐνεφύσησεν) is a direct echo of the Septuagint (LXX) translation of [[Genesis 2:7]], where God `{{H5301}}` (נָפַח - naphach) "breathed into" Adam's nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. This explicit parallel establishes Jesus' act as a new creation event, imparting spiritual life and empowering His disciples for a new covenant reality.
* While distinct from the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:1-4]]), John's account emphasizes the personal and direct impartation of the Spirit by Jesus Himself, signifying enablement for their mission and a foundational moment of spiritual endowment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **φυσάω (physáō):** The root verb, meaning "to blow, puff." While ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) adds the directional "into/upon," φυσάω (physáō) itself is used in various contexts for the act of blowing, such as wind or breath.
* **πνεῦμα (pneuma, `{{G4151}}`):** This crucial Greek word means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." The act of ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) is intrinsically linked to the impartation of the πνεῦμα (pneuma, `{{G4151}}`), as Jesus explicitly states, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
* **ζωή (zoē, `{{G2222}}`):** "Life." The breath imparted by God in creation and by Jesus in [[John 20:22]] is fundamentally associated with the giving of life, whether physical or spiritual.
* **Septuagint Parallel to [[Genesis 2:7]]:** The most significant linguistic and theological connection is the Septuagint's use of ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) to translate the Hebrew `{{H5301}}` (נָפַח - naphach) in [[Genesis 2:7]] ("and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life"). This direct verbal link between God's act of creation and Jesus' act of imparting the Spirit solidifies the "new creation" theme.
* **ἀναπνέω (anapneō, `{{G334}}`) / πνέω (pneō, `{{G4154}}`):** Other Greek words related to breathing or blowing, but ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) carries the specific nuance of *imparting* something *into* or *upon* through breath.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) in [[John 20:22]] carries immense theological weight:
* **New Creation and Redemption:** The direct parallel with [[Genesis 2:7]] positions Jesus' act as the inauguration of a new creation. Just as God breathed physical life into the first Adam, Jesus, the "last Adam" ([[1 Corinthians 15:45]]), breathes spiritual life into His disciples. This signifies not merely a renewal, but a profound spiritual regeneration and the beginning of a new humanity animated by the Spirit.
* **Divine Impartation and Intimacy:** The act of breathing is an intimate and personal gesture. Jesus' breathing on His disciples signifies a direct, personal impartation of divine life and power, emphasizing the close relationship between the Giver and the recipients. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality.
* **The Holy Spirit's Role and Jesus' Authority:** This moment underscores Jesus' unique authority to bestow the Holy Spirit. It highlights the Spirit as the very "breath" of God, animating and empowering His people for their mission. While Pentecost brings a public, communal manifestation, this private act in John emphasizes the Spirit's role in equipping individual disciples for their specific calling, particularly in the ministry of reconciliation and forgiveness ([[John 20:23]]).
* **Empowerment for Mission:** The breathing of the Spirit is directly linked to the disciples' commission. It is the divine enablement necessary for them to fulfill their mandate to represent Christ and proclaim the Gospel, particularly the message of forgiveness.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`), meaning "to breathe upon" or "to blow into," appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[John 20:22]]. In this profoundly significant moment, the resurrected Jesus breathes on His disciples, declaring, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This action serves as a deliberate and powerful echo of God's act of breathing life into Adam in [[Genesis 2:7]] (where the Septuagint also uses ἐμφυσάω). Theologically, Jesus' use of ἐμφυσάω (emphysáō, `{{G1720}}`) signifies the inauguration of a new creation, the intimate and personal impartation of divine life, and the direct empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the disciples' apostolic mission. It underscores Jesus' authority as the source of spiritual life and highlights the Holy Spirit as the very breath of God, animating and enabling His people for ministry, particularly in the proclamation of forgiveness and reconciliation. The word thus encapsulates a pivotal moment of divine impartation and the foundational empowerment of the new covenant community.
TRV