Board index ‹ Assorted Bible Questions

[Nanu Nanu]

Does the word "Spiritual" mean something we cannot see?

Or it carries different meaning deeper than this?

[jimwalton]

Glad to talk. I never get tired of good questions.

“Spiritual” doesn’t mean “something we cannot see.” It has different nuances, but generally means something that is of God’s context rather than something of an earthly context. Let’s look at a few examples.

• Romans 1.11; 1 Cor. 1.7: A “spiritual” gift is one that has its source in the Holy Spirit filling the role of strengthening the Church. It is not a human activity.
• Romans 7.14: The Law of Moses is “spiritual,” meaning it is Spirit-caused and Spirit-given. It is not of this Earth.
• Romans 12.11: "Keep your spiritual fervor.” It means your orientation to the things of God.
• 1 Cor. 2.13: “expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” It means relating to the things of God, not the things of nature and Earth, the things of the flesh.
• 1 Cor. 15.44: "A spiritual body.” A body that is not of flesh and blood, but rather one that, like Jesus’s resurrection body, is suitable for life in heaven. Though flesh and blood may be part of it, there is more to it than that. The spiritual body is not non-material, but neither is it only material. Our “spiritual bodies” will be spirit-animated bodies, immortal and imperishable.
• Ephesians 1.3: Spiritual blessings are derived from the Holy Spirit, allowing us to know God, to know truth, and to live in Him, with the ability to nurture God’s life in others as well.

Hopefully this gives you the idea. We can talk about them deeper or further if you want, or if you have questions about a specific use of “spiritual,” let me know.