Original Word: ἐμπνέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: empneó
Pronunciation: em-pneh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (emp-neh'-o)
Definition: To breathe in, to breathe upon, to inspire
Meaning: I breathe, breathe into, inhale.

breathe.

From en and pneo; to inhale, i.e. (figuratively) to be animated by (bent upon) -- breathe.

see GREEK en

see GREEK pneo

Word Origin
from en and pneó
Definition
to breathe (on), to inhale
NASB Translation
breathing (1).

STRONGS NT 1709: ἐμπνέω

ἐμπνέω (T WH ἐνπνέω, see ἐν, III. 3);

1. to breathe in or on (from Homer down).

2. to inhale (Aeschylus, Plato, others); with partitive genitive, ἀπειλῆς καί φόνου, threatening and slaughter were so to speak the element from which he drew his breath, Acts 9:1; see Meyer at the passage, cf. Winers Grammar, § 30, 9c.; (Buttmann, 167 (146)); ἐμπνέον ζωῆς, the Sept. Joshua 10:40.

Word Origin: From ἐν (en, "in") and πνέω (pneō, "to breathe")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐμπνέω, the concept of breathing and breath is often associated with the Hebrew word רוּחַ (ruach, Strong's Hebrew 7307), which means "spirit" or "breath." This term is used throughout the Old Testament to denote the breath of life, the spirit of God, and the animating force within living beings. Another related Hebrew term is נְשָׁמָה (neshamah, Strong's Hebrew 5397), which also refers to breath or spirit, often in the context of the life-giving breath from God. These terms collectively underscore the biblical theme of breath as a symbol of life, spirit, and divine influence.

Usage: The term ἐμπνέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of breathing out, often in a metaphorical sense to convey intense emotion or intent, such as anger or threats.

Context: The Greek verb ἐμπνέω appears in the New Testament in contexts that convey a sense of intense emotion or determination. It is notably used in Acts 9:1, where Saul is described as "still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." This usage highlights Saul's fervent hostility and aggressive intent towards the early Christian community prior to his conversion. The imagery of "breathing out" threats suggests a deep-seated animosity that is as natural and involuntary as breathing itself. The term underscores the fervor and intensity of Saul's persecution, which is later transformed into zeal for the Gospel following his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.

The concept of breathing, both literal and metaphorical, is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing life, spirit, and divine inspiration. In the case of ἐμπνέω, the focus is on the exhalation of threats, indicating an outward expression of inner hostility. This term, while not frequently used, provides a vivid depiction of the pre-conversion Saul's mindset and actions.

εμπεποδοστάτηκάς εμπνέον έμπνεον εμπνέοντα εμπνέων ἐμπνέων εμποιή εμπολήσομεν ενεπόδιζον ενεπόδισθησαν ενπνεων ἐνπνέων empneon empneōn empnéon empnéōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts