The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament states that the
basic idea of the Hebrew word spirit, roo-akh, and its companion
Greek word, pneuma, is air in motion. In living beings, the
"roo-akh" is their breath. In Genesis 7:15: 15. So they went
into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was found
the breath of life. We see here the Hebrew word "roo-akh"
translated breath. It is used also in relation to animals, the
breath (roo-akh) of life (khah-ee). Note that in this case the
Lord is showing us that it is "normal" life that He is referring
to and not "soul" life (neh-fesh). So, in this case, "roo~akh"
may only carry the interpretation of breath, but also, perhaps
not. Another word for breath, "nesh-aw-maw", is used along with
"roo~akh" in the same verse in Isaiah 42:5: 5. Thus says God the
Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread
out the earth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people
on it, And spirit to those who walk in it, The Theological
Wordbook of the Old Te