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 word **pneumatikós**, represented by `{{G4152}}`, describes that which is **spiritual**. It appears **26 times** across **21 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from `{{G4151}}` **pneûma**, or spirit, it denotes what is non-carnal and supernatural, in contrast to what is merely human or worldly. Its meaning ranges from divine blessings and gifts to the very nature of a regenerate person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4152}}` is used to establish a fundamental contrast between the realm of God and the realm of the flesh. The law is described as **spiritual**, while a person bound by sin is **carnal** [[Romans 7:14]]. Paul addresses believers who are immature as **carnal** `{{G4559}}` and not yet **spiritual** [[1 Corinthians 3:1]]. The term also defines the nature of the believer's new reality; they are a "**spiritual** house" offering "**spiritual** sacrifices" [[1 Peter 2:5]] and are blessed with all "**spiritual** blessings" [[Ephesians 1:3]]. This spiritual reality extends to worship, with believers admonishing one another with "**spiritual** songs" [[Ephesians 5:19]], and to warfare, which is not against flesh and blood but against "**spiritual** wickedness" [[Ephesians 6:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G4152}}`:
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): As the root word, it refers to a current of air, a spirit, the rational soul, or the Holy Spirit. It is the source from which all things **spiritual** derive their nature [[Galatians 5:22]].
* `{{G4559}}` **sarkikós** (carnal): This is the direct opposite of **spiritual**, pertaining to the flesh, the temporal, and the unregenerate. It is used to contrast the motivations and realities of the world with those of the Spirit [[1 Corinthians 9:11]].
* `{{G5591}}` **psychikós** (natural): This word describes the sensitive or animate nature, distinct from the renewed **spiritual** nature. The Bible contrasts the **natural** body that is sown with the **spiritual** body that is raised [[1 Corinthians 15:44]].
* `{{G5486}}` **chárisma** (gift): This refers to a divine gratuity or spiritual endowment. It is often paired with **pneumatikós** to describe the **spiritual** gifts given to believers to establish them in the faith [[Romans 1:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4152}}` is significant, defining the essence of the Christian life and hope.
* **The Regenerate Identity:** A person who is **spiritual** is one who is mature in Christ, able to judge matters rightly [[1 Corinthians 2:15]] and restore others with meekness [[Galatians 6:1]]. This identity is contrasted with that of an immature believer, or **babe** `{{G3516}}`, who is still **carnal** [[1 Corinthians 3:1]].
* **The Divine versus the Worldly:** The term consistently elevates divine things above earthly ones. Believers are called to sow **spiritual things** [[1 Corinthians 9:11]], desire **spiritual** understanding [[Colossians 1:9]], and operate through **spiritual** gifts [[1 Corinthians 14:1]], which are distinct from carnal or worldly counterparts.
* **Christocentric Fulfillment:** Old Testament events are reinterpreted as **spiritual** types pointing to Christ. The sustenance of the Israelites in the wilderness—the manna and water—is called "**spiritual** meat" `{{G1033}}` and "**spiritual** drink" from a "**spiritual** Rock `{{G4073}}` that was Christ" [[1 Corinthians 10:3-4]]. Likewise, the hope of the resurrection is for a "**spiritual** body" `{{G4983}}`, following the pattern of Christ [[1 Corinthians 15:44]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4152}}` is a crucial biblical term that defines the reality of God's work in the world and in the believer. It moves beyond a simple dichotomy of physical and non-physical to describe the life, blessings, wisdom, and power that originate from the Spirit of God. From the **spiritual** body `{{G4983}}` believers will one day receive, to the **spiritual** sacrifices `{{G2378}}` they offer now, the word **pneumatikós** is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of a life transformed by Christ.
TRV