And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
JOHN 20:22KJVWhat does John 20:22 mean?
John 20:22 describes Jesus breathing on his disciples and telling them to receive the Holy Ghost, marking a special moment where he symbolically gives them the Holy Spirit. This act shows Jesus personally empowering his followers after his resurrection.
In this scene, Jesus is with his closest disciples after rising from the dead. He breathes on them, which echoes the way God gave life to Adam in Genesis, suggesting a new beginning or spiritual life. By saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," Jesus is preparing his disciples for their future work and relationship with God.
The Greek behind John 20:22
- ἅγιον (hagion, "Holy") and πνεῦμα (pneuma, "Ghost" or "Spirit"): The Greek phrase here, often translated as "Holy Ghost" or "Holy Spirit," refers to God's own Spirit. The word πνεῦμα also means "breath" or "wind," which connects directly to Jesus breathing on them.
- ἐνεφύσησεν (enephusēsen, "he breathed on"): While not tagged above, the act of breathing is central in the Greek and is a rare verb in the New Testament. It recalls the creation story in Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam, highlighting the idea of new spiritual life.
Why John 20:22 matters
- John 20:22 helps clear up that Jesus did not leave his followers powerless after his resurrection; instead, he gave them a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence before Pentecost.
- The verse emphasizes the close, personal relationship between Jesus and his disciples, showing that the gift of the Holy Spirit is given directly and intentionally.
- This moment connects the resurrection to the disciples' mission, showing that their ability to continue Jesus' work comes from the Spirit he gives them.