Compare the following two queries (one using copilot, the other Smart Search in Logos):
Question: Does the word spirit ever mean the way that someone acts in koine Greek? I know it can refer to a spiritual entity that determines how someone acts. What I want to know is whether the term can mean "the character" of something or someone without reference to an underlying spiritual entity?
Copilot answer:
Yes, in Koine Greek, the word πνεῦμα (pneuma)—commonly translated as "spirit"—can indeed refer to more than just a spiritual entity. It has a broad semantic range that includes meanings like:
🌀 Core Meanings of Pneuma in Koine Greek
Wind or breath: The most literal sense, often used metaphorically.Spirit or spiritual being: Refers to divine beings, demons, or the Holy Spirit.Mental disposition or character: This is key to your question. Pneuma can denote a person’s inner attitude, temperament, or moral character, without necessarily implying a separate spiritual entity.
📘 Examples of Character Usage
In some New Testament contexts, pneuma is used to describe a person’s disposition or mindset. For instance:Romans 8:15 speaks of a "spirit of adoption"—not a being, but a disposition of belonging.Galatians 6:1 refers to restoring someone "in a spirit of gentleness," clearly indicating attitude or character.
🧠 Comparison with Other Greek Terms
ψυχή (psyche): Often translated as "soul," and can also refer to personality or life essence.φρόνημα (phronēma): Refers to mindset or way of thinking, sometimes overlapping with pneuma in meaning.
So yes—pneuma can absolutely mean "the character" or "disposition" of someone, especially in ethical or relational contexts, without necessarily implying a spiritual being. It’s a flexible term, and context is everything in Koine Greek.
Would you like to explore how this nuance affects interpretation of specific biblical passages?
Smart search synopsis in books in Logos:
In Koine Greek, the word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα), typically translated as "spirit," can indeed refer to the character or way someone acts, without necessarily implying an underlying spiritual entity. One article notes that Spirit filling can produce "a certain character of life" and is closely related to spirituality. Another article mentions that "pneuma" can be used to describe "the extensive influence and control of the Spirit in a believer's life," which "evidences an abiding state of fullness" and produces a particular character. Additionally, the term is used in contrast to "sarx" (flesh) in some contexts, potentially indicating a way of acting or living rather than a spiritual entity. However, it's important to note that the term has multiple meanings in Koine Greek, including references to the divine Spirit, created beings, and disembodied human spirits, so context is crucial for determining its specific meaning in any given usage.
My question is summarily answered int he first sentence, without any example or link. The links that are provided apply to following statements about the Holy Spirit which are irrelevant to my question.
