adverb from πνευματικός; non-physically, i.e. divinely, figuratively:--spiritually.
Transliteration:pneumatikōs
Pronunciation:pnyoo-mat-ik-oce'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πνευματικῶς (`{{G4153}}`, *pneumatikōs*) is derived from the adjective πνευματικός (`{{G4152}}`, *pneumatikos*), which itself stems from πνεῦμα (`{{G4151}}`, *pneuma*), meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath," and most notably, the Holy Spirit. As an adverb, *pneumatikōs* describes the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. Its core meaning encompasses several facets: "non-physically," "divinely," and "figuratively." This indicates a mode of operation or understanding that transcends the material, human, or literal realm. It points to that which pertains to, is empowered by, or is apprehended through the Spirit, particularly the Holy Spirit, or in a sense that is symbolic and allegorical rather than strictly literal. The term fundamentally contrasts with that which is purely natural, fleshly, or merely intellectual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb *pneumatikōs* appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct aspect of its semantic range:
1. **[[1 Corinthians 2:14]]**: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are *spiritually* discerned."
* Here, *pneumatikōs* modifies the verb ἀνακρίνεται (*anakrinetai*), meaning "are discerned" or "are judged." The context is Paul's discourse on divine wisdom versus human wisdom. The "natural man" (ψυχικός, `{{G5591}}`), referring to one who operates solely by human reason and sense perception, is incapable of comprehending the truths revealed by God's Spirit. These truths must be apprehended and evaluated *spiritually*, that is, through the enablement and illumination of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the indispensable role of the divine Spirit in granting understanding of spiritual realities, distinguishing it from mere intellectual or philosophical apprehension.
2. **[[Revelation 11:8]]**: "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which *spiritually* is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."
* In this apocalyptic passage, *pneumatikōs* modifies the verb καλεῖται (*kaleitai*), meaning "is called." The "great city" is identified *spiritually* as Sodom and Egypt. This is not a literal geographical renaming, but a symbolic designation. The city, widely understood to represent Jerusalem in its spiritual apostasy and opposition to God, is likened to Sodom (for its moral corruption and rebellion against God's law) and Egypt (for its oppression of God's people and idolatry). The use of *pneumatikōs* here signals that the identification is allegorical, revealing the city's true spiritual character and moral condition from God's perspective, rather than its physical name or location.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πνεῦμα (`{{G4151}}`, *pneuma*)**: The root word, meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In the New Testament, it frequently refers to the Holy Spirit, the human spirit, or spiritual beings.
* **πνευματικός (`{{G4152}}`, *pneumatikos*)**: The adjective form, meaning "spiritual." It describes things pertaining to the Spirit, such as spiritual gifts, spiritual food, spiritual songs, or spiritual persons. *Pneumatikōs* is the adverbial form of this adjective.
* **ψυχικός (`{{G5591}}`, *psychikos*)**: "Natural," "soulish," or "unspiritual." This term is often contrasted with *pneumatikos*, particularly in 1 Corinthians, to distinguish between understanding based on human faculties and understanding based on divine revelation.
* **σαρκικός (`{{G4559}}`, *sarkikos*)**: "Carnal" or "fleshly." This term also stands in opposition to *pneumatikos*, denoting a life or mindset governed by the sinful nature rather than the Spirit.
* **Revelation and Discernment**: The word *pneumatikōs* is intrinsically linked to the concepts of divine revelation and the spiritual discernment necessary to apprehend it. It underscores that certain truths are not accessible through natural means but require a spiritual faculty.
* **Symbolism and Allegory**: In Revelation, its use highlights the symbolic and figurative language often employed in prophetic literature, requiring a spiritual interpretation beyond the literal.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *pneumatikōs* is profound, touching upon epistemology, anthropology, and the nature of divine revelation.
1. **The Necessity of Spiritual Illumination**: The usage in [[1 Corinthians 2:14]] establishes a fundamental theological truth: human beings, in their fallen state, are inherently incapable of understanding the "things of the Spirit of God" by natural intellect alone. Spiritual truths require spiritual apprehension. This underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration and illumination, enabling believers to receive and discern divine realities. It highlights the qualitative difference between human wisdom and divine wisdom.
2. **The Transcendent Nature of God's Truth**: *Pneumatikōs* emphasizes that God's truth operates on a different plane than human reasoning or material reality. It is not merely a matter of intellectual assent or logical deduction but involves a deeper, spiritual engagement. This points to the non-physical, divine origin and character of spiritual knowledge.
3. **The Symbolic Language of Scripture**: In [[Revelation 11:8]], *pneumatikōs* affirms that certain biblical descriptions are not to be taken literally but hold deeper spiritual, moral, or theological significance. This is crucial for interpreting prophetic and apocalyptic literature, where names, places, and events often carry symbolic weight that reveals underlying spiritual realities. It warns against a purely literalistic hermeneutic where the text intends a figurative meaning.
4. **The Holy Spirit as the Interpreter**: Ultimately, *pneumatikōs* implicitly points to the Holy Spirit as the divine interpreter of God's Word and the enabler of spiritual understanding. Without the Spirit, the "things of God" remain foolishness; with the Spirit, they are divinely discerned and understood.
### Summary
The Greek adverb πνευματικῶς (`{{G4153}}`, *pneumatikōs*) means "spiritually," "non-physically," "divinely," or "figuratively." Its two New Testament occurrences provide crucial insight into its meaning and theological weight. In [[1 Corinthians 2:14]], it underscores that spiritual truths must be *spiritually* discerned, emphasizing the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in enabling human understanding of divine revelation, distinct from natural human reason. In [[Revelation 11:8]], it indicates that a place is *spiritually* identified with Sodom and Egypt, highlighting the use of symbolic or allegorical language in Scripture to convey deeper moral and theological realities. The word thus profoundly impacts our understanding of biblical hermeneutics, the nature of divine truth, and the essential work of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the minds of believers.
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