The “breath of God” is one of the most beautiful and mysterious images in Scripture. It represents life, creation, inspiration, and the sustaining power of God’s Spirit.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s breath symbolizes His intimate involvement with His people—giving life to humanity, reviving dry bones, and empowering believers with His Spirit.
When we read Bible verses about the breath of God, we’re reminded that every breath we take is a gift. His breath gives life not only to our bodies but also to our souls, awakening us to faith and purpose.
Let’s explore 35 verses that reveal how God’s breath brings power, renewal, and divine presence into our lives.
1. Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Explanation: This is the first mention of God’s breath in Scripture. It shows that human life begins with God’s direct breath, symbolizing His intimate creation and connection with humanity.
2. Job 33:4
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Explanation: Job recognizes that both God’s Spirit and breath are the source of life. This verse connects the Holy Spirit with God’s life-giving power.
3. Psalm 33:6
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
Explanation: The psalmist praises God’s creative power, showing that His breath not only gives life to humans but also creates the entire universe.
4. Ezekiel 37:5
This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
Explanation: In the vision of the dry bones, God’s breath symbolizes revival and restoration—bringing life to what was dead.
5. Isaiah 42:5
This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.
Explanation: God not only creates the world but continually sustains it by giving breath and life to all people.
6. Job 34:14–15
If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
Explanation: This verse reminds us that every breath we take depends on God. Without His sustaining presence, life ceases.
7. 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Explanation: The Word of God is inspired by His breath—living and powerful, giving guidance and truth to believers.
8. Job 27:3
As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils.
Explanation: Job declares that his life and strength depend entirely on the breath of God within him.
9. Ezekiel 37:9
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’”
Explanation: God commands Ezekiel to call upon the breath, showing His power to restore life through His Spirit.
10. Psalm 104:29–30
When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
Explanation: This passage shows the cycle of life sustained by God’s breath—He gives and takes away, showing His complete authority over life.
11. Isaiah 40:7
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
Explanation: God’s breath is powerful and sovereign—it can bring both life and judgment according to His will.
12. John 20:22
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation: After His resurrection, Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto His disciples, symbolizing spiritual renewal and empowerment.
13. Job 4:9
At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.
Explanation: This verse highlights the authority of God’s breath—it can give life or bring judgment depending on His justice.
14. Exodus 15:8
By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
Explanation: God’s breath is shown as a force of nature, powerful enough to part the Red Sea for His people’s deliverance.
15. Job 37:10
The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.
Explanation: Even in nature, God’s breath displays His control over creation, bringing change to the elements.
16. Isaiah 30:33
The breath of the Lord, like a stream of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.
Explanation: This verse symbolizes God’s breath as a purifying fire, representing His holiness and judgment.
17. Genesis 6:17
I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it.
Explanation: During the flood, God’s judgment affected all living things that carried His breath, showing His sovereignty over creation.
18. Job 12:10
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Explanation: Every living being depends on God for breath and existence—He holds all life in His hands.
19. Isaiah 11:4
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Explanation: This prophecy about the Messiah reveals the authority and power of His word and breath in executing justice.
20. 2 Samuel 22:16
The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of breath from his nostrils.
Explanation: God’s breath is portrayed as a mighty force that shakes creation, revealing His power and majesty.
21. Psalm 18:15
The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
Explanation: A parallel to 2 Samuel 22:16, this verse praises God’s power in nature and His supreme authority.
22. Isaiah 2:22
Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
Explanation: This verse reminds us that human life is fragile compared to the eternal power of God’s breath.
23. Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Explanation: Every living thing owes its breath to God, and that breath should be used to praise Him.
24. Isaiah 57:16
I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me—the very people I have created.
Explanation: God’s compassion is seen here. Though His breath holds power over life, He shows mercy to those He created.
25. Habakkuk 2:19
Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.
Explanation: This verse contrasts lifeless idols with the living God whose breath gives true life and guidance.
26. Lamentations 4:20
The Lord’s anointed, our very life breath, was caught in their traps.
Explanation: Referring to Israel’s king, this verse shows how God’s chosen leaders were seen as carriers of divine breath and blessing.
27. Daniel 5:23
But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.
Explanation: Daniel rebukes the king for forgetting that his life and breath are held by God, the giver of all things.
28. Revelation 11:11
But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them.
Explanation: Even in the end times, God’s breath brings resurrection power and victory over death.
29. Psalm 135:17
They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.
Explanation: This verse mocks idols, reminding us that only the living God gives breath and life.
30. Isaiah 42:14
For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.
Explanation: This vivid imagery shows God’s breath as a force of passion and power, revealing His active presence.
31. Job 15:30
He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and by the breath of God’s mouth he will go away.
Explanation: The breath of God is described as a consuming power against evil and injustice.
32. Psalm 147:18
He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
Explanation: God’s breath (wind) brings warmth and renewal to the earth, symbolizing restoration and life.
33. Numbers 16:22
But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, “O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?”
Explanation: Moses calls God the giver of all breath, acknowledging His role as the sustainer of all life.
34. Job 26:13
By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent.
Explanation: God’s breath is linked to creation’s beauty and His victory over chaos and evil.
35. Psalm 104:30
When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
Explanation: God’s breath and Spirit continually bring renewal and life to all creation.
Conclusion
These Bible verses about the breath of God reveal a deep truth—every breath, every heartbeat, and every moment of life is sustained by Him. His breath creates, restores, and empowers. From the beginning of time to the end of days, the breath of God represents His life-giving Spirit at work in the world and in us.
Take a moment to breathe deeply and thank God for His sustaining power. Reflect on how His breath gives life to your body and spirit each day. What verse about the breath of God speaks most to your heart? Share your thoughts and favorite Scriptures in the comments below to inspire others in their walk of faith.