2: Ruha — ܪܘܚܐ

1. Term: Ruha — ܪܘܚܐ

Pronunciation: Roo-kha
Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind; refers to the Holy Spirit or human spirit.

2. Biblical Usage:

  • Used in the Peshitta to denote the Spirit of God, active in creation, prophecy, and sanctification.
  • Also refers to human spirit or breath of life.

3. Example Verse:

  • Genesis 1:2 (Peshitta) — “ܪܘܚܐ ܕܐܠܗܐ ܪܘܚܐ ܡܢ ܩܕܡ ܥܠ ܗܝܡܐ”
    (“The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”)
  • John 14:26 (Peshitta) — “ܐܢܐ ܡܫܡܫܟܘܢ ܪܘܚܐ ܩܕܝܫܐ”
    (“I will send you the Holy Spirit.”)

4. Theological Significance:

  • Ruha is central to Syriac Christian pneumatology, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in life and worship.
  • Highlights continuity with Hebrew and Greek biblical concepts of the Spirit.
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