JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

May 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent question about the Holy Spirit.

Because the expressions "Holy Spirit" and "Holy Ghost" are found in the King James Version of the Bible, some have assumed that there are two different spirits. "Ghost," however, is an outdated translation that should be avoided.

In the inspired original Greek, the word "pneuma" is used. This word, unfortunately translated "ghost" so many times, is properly translated "spirit," as in Luke 11:13, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, and several other verses, when referring to God's Spirit.

When the King James Version of the Bible was first printed in 1611 -- over 1400 years after the New Testament was first written in the Greek language -- the English words "ghost" and "spirit" meant the same thing. Thus, it was quite natural that the translators should have used both words in rendering the one Greek word into English. This inconsistent usage, however, has given rise to the false impression that a "Holy Ghost" and a "Holy Spirit" exist as two separate spirits.

The only proper way to clarify the subject is to use the expression "Holy Spirit" in all cases that refer to the Spirit of God. The New King James Version of the Bible, officially titled the Revised Authorized Version, does just that. It consistently translates the Greek expression "hagion pneuma" as "Holy Spirit."

You may wish to request a copy of our free article "Just What Is the Holy Spirit?" It contains many proofs that the Holy Spirit is not a person, but is the power of God.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is a pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT