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[ Rather it refers to the "neshama" - the breath of God ]

Neshama "the breath of God", which is obviously a metaphor.. by its implication.. One could spend days considering the impact of this one metaphor.. even years.. if you're not too bright like me..

Consider the clean crisp clarity of that metaphor.. describing a "spirit" like no other could (that I can think of). The breath of God washing over an object appreciating it, and even transforming it.. if needed.. A spirit like smoke, like a breath of wind, as a personality, even a force..

Its winter here in Alaska.. Betcha KNOW what I'll be thinking about as I go about my daily rounds.. Observing MY BREATH as a cloud every time I breathe today.. However its quite mild today.. lower twentys(high).. low enough to do the "breath" thing as I breathe.. Within MY BODY is a spirit as surely as God has one.. And the words I breath out can have some impact..

Thanks for reminding me of this metaphor.. I will take it with me today on my rounds.. " and God breathed on him the breath of life".. Heavy stuff.. After additional prayer this morning, I plan on doing a little of that myself.. Not just breathing but releasing the spirit within me.. in my breathe'ings.. (must not forget mouthwash) I'm on a quest..

Thank you so much for sharing your meditations and insight!

The Hebrew word neshama means breath, wind and most especially, spirit. The same concept is carried forward in the Greek, in John 3:

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. - John 3:6-8

The Greek word for wind and Spirit in the last sentence is pneuma.