A Semantic Field Analysis of πνεῦμα Occurrences in the New Testament

Seminary Commons

This presentation offers a semantic field analysis of New Testament occurrences of the word πνεῦμα in order to group them by contextualized meaning. Applying this methodology to the issue of pneumatology one can better grasp the forefront characteristics of the spirit language to ascertain the biblical assortment of this motif. Discoveries include the major role of the Holy Spirit as portrayed in the New Testament; the misconception of limiting the Spirit’s activities to abstract conceptions; the appeal to research the texts about the Holy Spirit in light of other πνεῦμα usages, including important theological concepts such as the unclean spirits, the seven spirits and the spirit of prophecy. This presentation seeks to explore perhaps what we have not prioritized about collective passages of πνεῦμα. Since some of the debate is dogmatic driven instead of biblically inclined, this investigation might shed light into further discussion in order to allow the biblical data to stand on its own.