Original Word: רוּחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ruwach
Pronunciation: roo'-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (roo'-akh)
NASB: spirit, wind, winds
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H7307 (רוַּח - spirit)]

1. mind, spirit, wind

mind, spirit, wind

(Aramaic) corresponding to ruwach -- mind, spirit, wind.

see HEBREW ruwach

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to ruach
Definition
wind, spirit
NASB Translation
spirit (9), wind (1), winds (1).

רוּחַ noun feminine^{Daniel 5:12} wind, spirit; — ׳ר absolute Daniel 5:12; Daniel 6:4, construct Daniel 4:5 +, emphatic רוּחָא Daniel 2:35; suffix רוּחִי Daniel 7:15, הֵּ֯ Daniel 5:20; plural construct רוּחֵי Daniel 7:2; —

1 wind Daniel 2:35; Daniel 7:2.

2 spirit:

a. of man, Daniel 5:20; Daniel 7:15; as faculty of knowledge, יַתִּירא ׳ר Daniel 5:12; Daniel 6:4.

b. אֱלָהִין קַדִּישִׁין ׳ר Daniel 4:5; Daniel 4:6; Daniel 4:15; Daniel 5:11, ׳א ׳ר Daniel 5:14.

Overview

Strong’s Hebrew 7308 רוּחַ (ruaḥ) occurs eleven times, all within the Aramaic sections of Daniel (Daniel 2–7). While linguistically cognate with the more common Hebrew רוּחַ (Strong’s 7307), these occurrences uniquely illuminate God’s sovereignty in exile, highlighting both human “spirit” and the “Spirit of the holy gods” (or, alternatively, “the Holy God”) at work in Daniel’s life and in Gentile courts.

Narrative Function in Daniel

1. Divine Revelation (Daniel 2:35, 7:2)

• In Daniel 2:35 the wind dispersing the shattered statue emphasizes that human empires are temporary before the kingdom of God.
• Daniel 7:2 presents “the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea,” portraying heavenly agency behind geopolitical upheavals.

2. Daniel’s Extraordinary Endowment (Daniel 4:8-9; 5:11-12, 14; 6:3)

Kings Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius each acknowledge that “an excellent spirit” or “the spirit of the holy gods” is in Daniel. These repeated attestations legitimize Daniel’s ministry before pagan rulers and foreshadow the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan.
• Daniel 5:14: “I have heard of you that the Spirit of the gods is in you, and that you possess insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.”
• Daniel 6:3 notes that “Daniel distinguished himself … because an extraordinary spirit was in him.”

3. Moral Commentary (Daniel 5:20)

Belshazzar’s ancestor is rebuked: “When his heart became arrogant and his spirit hardened in pride, he was deposed from his royal throne.” Here ruaḥ exposes inner corruption that leads to downfall, contrasting with the humble, God-directed spirit in Daniel.

4. Prophetic Sensitivity (Daniel 7:15)

Daniel testifies, “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit … and the visions troubled me.” The prophet’s own ruaḥ is responsive and burdened by revelation, illustrating the cost of prophetic ministry.

Theological Significance

• Spirit as Source of Wisdom: Ruaḥ in Daniel bridges anthropological and theological dimensions; Daniel’s human spirit is empowered by the divine Spirit, demonstrating that true wisdom originates with God (cf. Proverbs 2:6).
• God’s Sovereignty over Nations: The “winds of heaven” motif underlines that geopolitical currents are ultimately steered by divine will.
• Contrast of Humility and Pride: A malleable spirit invites revelation (Daniel), while a hardened spirit invites judgment (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar).
• Foreshadowing Pentecost: Daniel’s Spirit-empowered witness among Gentiles anticipates the outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).

Historical Context

These texts arise during the Babylonian and early Medo-Persian periods. Israel’s exile raises the question of God’s faithfulness; ruaḥ in Daniel answers by displaying His continued presence and power, even in foreign palaces. Aramaic, the lingua franca, underscores the universal message: God’s Spirit is not confined to Israel’s geographic boundaries.

Ministry Application

• Excellence Rooted in the Spirit: Modern believers serving in secular arenas can emulate Daniel, seeking the Spirit’s enablement for integrity, wisdom, and cultural engagement.
• Discernment of National Movements: The “four winds” encourage prayerful recognition that behind global events stands God’s sovereign Spirit.
• Guarding the Inner Spirit: Leaders must cultivate humility, lest a “hardened spirit” invite discipline.

Christological Insight

Daniel, filled with an “extraordinary spirit,” prefigures the Messiah upon whom rests “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding” (Isaiah 11:2). Jesus Christ embodies the perfect ruaḥ-endowed Man, fulfilling the hope that Daniel’s life only anticipates.

Key References

Daniel 2:35; 4:8-9, 18; 5:11-14, 20; 6:3; 7:2, 15

וְרוּחֵ֖הּ ורוחה ר֣וּחַ ר֣וּחַ ׀ ר֤וּחַ ר֥וּחַ רֽוּחַ־ רוּחִ֛י רוּחֵ֣י רוּחָ֔א רוח רוח־ רוחא רוחי rū·aḥ rū·aḥ- rū·ḥā rū·ḥê rū·ḥî Ruach rūaḥ rūaḥ- ruCha ruChei ruChi rūḥā rūḥê rūḥî veruCheh wə·rū·ḥêh wərūḥêhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts