πνευματικῶς
pneumatikōs
G4153 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner pertaining to the spirit or the spiritual realm; relating to that which is characteristic of an immaterial or non-physical reality. The adverb indicates an action, evaluation, or quality ascribed not to the material or physical, but to what belongs to or arises from spirit. Contextually, it may also mean in accordance with the spirit, as opposed to in accordance with the letter, or in a way influenced or determined by the divine Spirit.
Semantic Range
in a spiritual manner, relating to or by means of the spirit, pertaining to the spiritual sphere, with a spiritual or non-material interpretation, under spiritual influence or agency
Root / Etymology
Adverbial form of πνευματικός (pneumatikos, 'spiritual'), which itself is derived from πνεῦμα (pneuma, 'spirit, wind, breath') and the adjectival suffix -ικός, with adverbial ending -ως forming 'in a spiritual manner'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πνευματικῶς is rare in Greek literature outside of Jewish and early Christian texts. Its core function is to contrast what is 'spiritual' (pertaining to πνεῦμα) with what is 'physical' (σῶμα, 'body') or 'literal' (γράμμα, 'letter'). In the New Testament, it is found in contexts where the manner or reasoning is seen to originate from, or be attuned to, the divine or the interior life as opposed to external ritual or material reality. In English translation it is typically rendered as 'spiritually', but the full nuance—implying perspective, agency, or agency by the divine Spirit—can be obscured, especially where 'spirit' is opposed to 'letter' or 'flesh'. In the Septuagint, it is effectively absent, reflecting its emergence as theological vocabulary in Second Temple and early Christian discourse. Classical Greek usage of related words (πνεῦμα, πνευματικός) centered on 'breath' and 'wind', with spiritual or metaphysical senses developing in later periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from πνευματικός; non-physically, i.e. divinely, figuratively:--spiritually.
Root Family
πνευματικῶς (pneumatikōs) — spirit, breath, wind; pertaining to the spiritual realm
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4153-01 |
πνευματικῶς | pneumatikos | ADV |
spiritually | spiritually | spiritually | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4153-01 |
1 Corinthians 2:14 | πνευματικῶς | pneumatikos | ADV |
spiritually | spiritually | spiritually |
G4153-01 |
Revelation 11:8 | πνευματικῶς | pneumatikos | ADV |
spiritually | spiritually | spiritually |