Decoder Terminal
GIVE UP THE SPIRIT
LIFE TERMINATION — BREATH EXTRACTION
EVENTSpecs
hebrew term
gava (גָּוַע) — to expire, breathe out, die
christ parallel
Jesus 'gave up his spirit' (John 19:30, Matthew 27:50)
genesis connection
God breathed ruach into Adam (Genesis 2:7)
Intelligence Brief
Bible Dictionary: To 'give up the spirit' (Hebrew: gava) means to expire, to breathe out the final breath. The ruach (spirit/breath) that God breathed into Adam (Genesis 2:7) returns to God at death (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Job wishes this transaction had occurred immediately. Historical Context: In Hebrew anthropology, life IS breath — the ruach that animates the body. Death is the departure of this animating force. The phrase appears at significant deaths throughout Scripture. Scarlet Thread: Jesus 'gave up his spirit' on the cross (John 19:30) — the same phrase, the same transaction, but voluntary. Christ's death was not defeat but deliberate surrender. He gave up what Job wished had been taken from him at birth.
Scripture References