from πνεῦμα; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious:--spiritual. Compare ψυχικός.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective `{{G4152}}` (πνευματικός, *pneumatikós*) is derived directly from `{{G4151}}` (πνεῦμα, *pneuma*), meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath." As an adjective, *pneumatikós* signifies "pertaining to the spirit," "spiritual," or "characterized by the spirit." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing several key aspects:
1. **Non-carnal or Ethereal:** It can describe that which is not material or fleshly, but rather of a spiritual or unseen nature. This can apply to human beings (the "spiritual man" as opposed to the "natural man") or to concepts.
2. **Pertaining to Spiritual Beings:** In some contexts, it refers to actual spirits, whether divine, angelic, or demonic (e.g., "spiritual forces of evil").
3. **Divinely Supernatural or Regenerate:** Most significantly in the New Testament, *pneumatikós* describes that which originates from, is empowered by, or is characteristic of the Holy Spirit. This includes spiritual wisdom, gifts, blessings, and the regenerated life of a believer. It often implies a state of being under the Spirit's influence and guidance, leading to a profound spiritual understanding and conduct.
The word stands in significant contrast to `{{G5591}}` (ψυχικός, *psychikos*), which denotes that which pertains to the natural soul or unregenerate human faculties, and `{{G4561}}` (σαρκικός, *sarkikos*), which refers to that which is fleshly or carnal, often implying a state dominated by sinful human nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4152}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where it is foundational to his theology of the Holy Spirit and Christian living.
* **1 Corinthians 2:13-15**: This passage is pivotal. Paul distinguishes between "spiritual things" (*pneumatikos*) taught by the Spirit and the "natural man" (*psychikos*) who cannot comprehend them. The "spiritual man" (*pneumatikos*) is able to discern and judge all things, indicating a capacity for divine truth granted by the Holy Spirit.
* **1 Corinthians 3:1**: Paul expresses his inability to address the Corinthians as "spiritual" (*pneumatikos*) but rather as "fleshly" (*sarkikos*) or "infants in Christ." This highlights that while all believers possess the Spirit, being *pneumatikos* implies a level of maturity and conduct consistent with the Spirit's leading, not merely initial indwelling.
* **1 Corinthians 9:11**: Paul contrasts "spiritual things" (the gospel, spiritual instruction) with "carnal things" (material support), illustrating the principle of reciprocal giving.
* **1 Corinthians 10:3-4**: Referring to the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul speaks of "spiritual food" and "spiritual drink" from the rock, identifying Christ as the supernatural source of their sustenance.
* **1 Corinthians 12:1**: Paul introduces the topic of "spiritual gifts" (τῶν πνευματικῶν, *tōn pneumatikōn*), literally "the spirituals" or "things of the Spirit," referring to the various manifestations of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church.
* **1 Corinthians 14:1**: Believers are exhorted to "desire earnestly the spiritual gifts," especially prophecy, underscoring their importance for corporate worship and edification.
* **Galatians 6:1**: "You who are spiritual" (*pneumatikos*) are called upon to restore a brother caught in a trespass. Here, *pneumatikos* implies not only spiritual discernment but also a character shaped by the Spirit's fruit, enabling compassionate and humble restoration.
* **Ephesians 1:3**: Believers are blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." These blessings are not material but pertain to the realm of the Spirit and are received through union with Christ.
* **Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16**: Believers are encouraged to sing "spiritual songs," indicating music inspired by the Spirit and expressing spiritual truths.
* **Ephesians 6:12**: In describing the nature of spiritual warfare, Paul speaks of "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Here, *pneumatikos* describes the unseen, non-physical nature of these demonic adversaries.
* **Colossians 1:9**: Paul prays for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in "all spiritual wisdom and understanding," highlighting the Spirit's role in granting discernment.
* **Romans 1:11**: Paul desires to impart "some spiritual gift" (*charisma pneumatikon*) to the Roman believers, for their strengthening.
* **Romans 7:14**: "For we know that the Law is spiritual," meaning it originates from God's Spirit and reflects His holy nature, contrasting with humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill it due to the flesh.
* **Romans 15:27**: Gentiles, having shared in the "spiritual things" (the gospel and its blessings) of the Jews, ought to minister to them in "carnal things" (material support).
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G4151}}` (πνεῦμα, *pneuma*): The root noun, signifying "spirit," "wind," or "breath." *Pneumatikos* describes that which is *of* or *by* the *pneuma*. Understanding *pneuma* is essential for grasping the full scope of *pneumatikos*.
* `{{G5591}}` (ψυχικός, *psychikos*): "Natural," "of the soul." This term is often contrasted with *pneumatikos* in 1 Corinthians (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 2:14]]), representing the unregenerate human being who operates solely on natural faculties without divine illumination.
* `{{G4561}}` (σαρκικός, *sarkikos*): "Fleshly," "carnal." Also contrasted with *pneumatikos* (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 3:1]]), describing a life dominated by the fallen human nature, even if a believer.
* `{{G5486}}` (χάρισμα, *charisma*): "Gift of grace." Often paired with *pneumatikos* to form "spiritual gifts" (*charismata pneumatika*), though `{{G4152}}` itself can stand alone to refer to these gifts.
* `{{G37}}` (ἁγιασμός, *hagiasmos*): "Sanctification." The process by which the Holy Spirit makes believers *pneumatikos* in their character and conduct, aligning them with God's holiness.
* `{{G3950}}` (πρόφητης, *prophetes*): "Prophet." Those who are *pneumatikos* are often associated with prophetic ministry, as it is a gift of the Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The term `{{G4152}}` (*pneumatikos*) carries profound theological weight in the New Testament:
* **The Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit:** *Pneumatikos* highlights that genuine spiritual life, understanding, and power are entirely dependent on the Holy Spirit. To be truly "spiritual" is to be indwelt, led, and empowered by God's Spirit.
* **Distinction between the Natural and the Spiritual:** The concept establishes a fundamental dichotomy between the unregenerate human condition (the "natural man" who cannot understand spiritual truths) and the Spirit-transformed believer (the "spiritual man" who possesses divine discernment). This is not merely an intellectual difference but a qualitative, existential one.
* **Christian Maturity and Conduct:** While all believers receive the Holy Spirit upon conversion, Paul's use of *pneumatikos* often points to a state of spiritual maturity. It implies a life characterized by obedience to the Spirit's leading, the bearing of the Spirit's fruit, and the exercise of the Spirit's gifts, moving beyond a "fleshly" or "carnal" walk.
* **Supernatural Dimension of Reality:** *Pneumatikos* consistently points to the unseen, divine realm. It encompasses spiritual blessings, the nature of God's law, the reality of spiritual warfare against unseen evil forces, and the very essence of true worship and wisdom.
* **Holistic Transformation:** Being *pneumatikos* implies a comprehensive transformation that impacts a believer's understanding, character, worship, and service, bringing every aspect of life under the Spirit's sanctifying influence.
### Summary
The Greek adjective `{{G4152}}` (*pneumatikos*) is a rich and foundational term in the New Testament, primarily used by the Apostle Paul. Derived from *pneuma* (spirit), it describes that which pertains to, is characterized by, or is empowered by the Spirit, particularly the Holy Spirit. Its semantic range extends from the non-carnal or ethereal to concrete spiritual entities (like demonic powers) and, most significantly, to that which is divinely supernatural, regenerate, or related to the Holy Spirit's work in believers.
*Pneumatikos* is central to understanding the qualitative distinction between the "natural man" and the "spiritual man," emphasizing the Holy Spirit's indispensable role in granting divine discernment, enabling spiritual maturity, and empowering believers for life and service. It underscores the supernatural dimension of the Christian walk, encompassing spiritual blessings, gifts, wisdom, and the ongoing battle against spiritual forces of evil. Ultimately, the term calls believers to a life lived in profound dependence upon and conformity to the Holy Spirit, leading to holistic transformation and effective participation in God's redemptive purposes.
TRV