Abstract
M.A.
This is an exegetical study of the word 'breathed' or `ΕΜΦΥΣΑΩ' in John 20:22. Firstly it
looks at the background of this word in the Septuagint and the Apocrypha. In the
Septuagint a study is made of the meaning of the word in the various books in which it
occurs. Circumstances surrounding the use of this word and the context under which it is
used are taken into consideration in an attempt to get an accurate meaning. A note is also
made on the use of this word as explained by different scholars. In this study I also examine the possibility of a relationship between this word and creation. Reference is made to the creation in Genesis and creation in Ezekiel. Because of the different circumstances that exist between these two books, a note on such differences is given. The idea that the book of John has a creation motif is also investigated. I try first of all to look at the way the author of the fourth gospel develops his creation motif from the beginning of his gospel. This is carried through the whole book of John during the Lord's earthly ministry and extending to the period after His resurrection which culminates in the action of John 20:22. John comes through as someone who presents Christ as the Creator of both the new and the old creation. This idea is investigated and researched to find the connection between the old creation and the new creation. John seems to see a new creation emerging with Jesus' arrival in this world. This starts immediately as Jesus establishes this new creation Himself while He is still in the world. We observe that He does this through the means of the signs that He performs.