The name Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost — The Word “Spirit” is derived from the Latin spiritus while “Ghost” is an old Anglo‐Saxon word which represent Holy Spirit.

Why is He called Holy Spirit?

In the Bible, there is an emphasis on discerning and testing the spirits to ensure they align with God’s truth and are not deceptive or influenced by evil forces.The apostle John, in 1 John 4:1, advises believers to test the spirits, examining their nature and origin, to determine whether they come from God or any counterfeit or deceptive spirits.

The term “Holy Spirit” is used to describe the third person of the Trinity, who is God Himself. The term “holy” signifies the nature and character of the Spirit as being pure, set apart, and sacred.

He distinguishes from other spirits or forces through His role in revealing God’s truth, guiding, empowering, and transforming believers according to the holiness and character of God.

Different Names of Holy Spirit in the Bible:

• One Spirit: Ephesians 2:18 and 4:3,4 mention that there is one Spirit. This refers to oneness of the Holy Spirit in unifying the body of Christ.
• Eternal Spirit: Hebrews 9:14 describes the Holy Spirit as eternal which is without beginning or end(eternal existence).
• Seven Spirits or Sevenfold Spirit: The term “Seven Spirits” or “Sevenfold Spirit” or “the seven spirits who are before his throne” in Revelation 1:4 and 3:1 is a symbolic representation of the fullness, perfection, and completeness of the Holy Spirit’s work and attributes. It signifies the Spirit’s manifold functions, such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and the Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).
• Seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: This symbolizes the fullness and presence of the Holy Spirit in the divine realm and emphasizes the Spirit’s attributes within the Godhead and highlights the comprehensive and complete nature of the Holy Spirit’s work and to God’s presence and authority.
• Seven Lamps of fire: Revelation 4:5 describes the Holy Spirit as the Seven Lamps of fire burning represents the Holy Spirit’s illumination of Holy Scripture, guidance, and sanctifying work in the lives of believers and the church. (Rev 4:5: before the throne were burning Seven torches(lamps) of fire, which are the seven spirits of God) – It emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s constant presence and active involvement in the heavenly realm.
• Seven Horns and Seven Eyes: Revelation 5:6 refers to the Seven Horns and Seven Eyes of Jesus, which symbolize the complete and perfect work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry. It represents the Spirit’s power, authority, and omniscience. This highlights the inseparable relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, indicating that Jesus is empowered and anointed by the Spirit for His redemptive work.
• Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2): The opening verses of the Bible mention the “Spirit of God” moving over the waters during the creation account.
• Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11): “Spirit of our God” refers to the Holy Spirit role in the process of sanctification and transformation. The Holy Spirit cleanses and sanctifies believers, enabling them to live a life pleasing to God.
• Spirit of Glory (1 Peter 4:14): The “Spirit of Glory” is the Holy Spirit who rests upon believers, especially in times of suffering or persecution.
• Spirit of Counsel (Isaiah 11:2): In this prophetic passage, “Spirit of Counsel” is one of the attributes of the Messiah, describing the wisdom and guidance that the Holy Spirit provides.
• My Spirit (Isaiah 42:1): This passage contains a prophecy about the Messiah, and it mentions God’s declaration that He will put His Holy Spirit upon the chosen Servant (the Messiah) to carry out His redemptive mission on earth.
• Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11): These verses refer to the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of Christ,” signifying that the Spirit proceeds from Christ and represents Him.
• Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:15): The Spirit of Adoption refers Through the Holy Spirit that believers experience a close and intimate relationship with God, crying out “Abba, Father.”
• Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13): It signifies that the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God’s promises to believers, including the promise of salvation and eternal inheritance in Christ.
• Christ and the Spirit (Romans 8:10): In this passage, the apostle Paul highlights the indwelling of both Christ and the Holy Spirit in believers. The presence of the Spirit is synonymous with the presence of Christ in the lives of Christians.
• A Voice from Heaven (Revelation 14:13): This reference speaks of a voice from heaven, which likely symbolizes divine communication or affirmation from God concerning those who die in the Lord. It offers assurance and comfort to believers that they will find rest from their labors and that their deeds follow them.
• Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9): This verse emphasizes that God/Holy Spirit is the Father of our spiritual being and the source of our existence.
• Spirit of Grace and of Supplications (Zechariah 12:10): This verse in Zechariah speaks of a future time when God will pour out His Spirit of grace and supplications(Prayer) upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
• Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29): It refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of extending God’s grace and mercy to those who respond to Christ’s sacrifice in faith and obedience.
• Spirit of Him (Romans 8:11): This verse refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. It emphasizes the power and authority of the Holy Spirit in the work of resurrection and new life in believers.
• Breath of His mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8): This verse speaks of “the lawless one” whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of His mouth. It symbolizes the powerful and authoritative action of the Holy Spirit, in destroying evil.
• Spirit of His Son (Galatians 4:6): The “Spirit of His Son” is the Holy Spirit given to believers, enabling them to cry out “Abba, Father” and experience a close and intimate relationship with God as their Heavenly Father.
• Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4): In this verse, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of Holiness,” highlighting His attribute in transforming believers to become more Christlike and sanctified.
• Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19): Paul mentions the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” as the source of his deliverance and hope during his imprisonment. It signifies the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, leading them in times of difficulty and persecution.
• Spirit of Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2): “Spirit of Knowledge” is one of the attributes of the Messiah, signifies that the Holy Spirit imparts divine knowledge and wisdom to fulfill God’s purposes.
• Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2, 10; Revelation 11:11): The “Spirit of Life” is the Holy Spirit, who brings spiritual life and freedom to believers by setting them free from the law of sin and death. It also refers to the Holy Spirit’s role in raising believers to eternal life, as seen in Revelation 11:11.
• Spirit of Love (2 Timothy 1:7): The “Spirit of Love” refers to the Holy Spirit’s work in producing love in the hearts of believers, enabling them to love God and others unconditionally.
• Spirit of Might (Isaiah 11:2): The “Spirit of Might” represents the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, strength, and ability to equip believers with spiritual strength and courage to carry out God’s purposes.
• Spirit of Power (2 Timothy 1:7): The “Spirit of Power” signifies that the Holy Spirit empowers believers, imparting divine strength, boldness, and courage, allowing them to overcome fear and serve God with confidence.
• Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13–14): The “Spirit of promise” refers to the Holy Spirit as the promised seal and guarantee of our salvation and inheritance in Christ.
• Spirit of the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2): “Spirit of the fear of the Lord,” denotes the Holy Spirit’s role in instilling reverence worship and awe for God.
• Spirit of the living God (2 Corinthians 1:22): “Spirit of the living God” signifies the Holy Spirit’s work in sealing and indwelling believers.
• Spirit of the Lord God (Isaiah 61:1): “Spirit of the Lord God” that anointed the Messiah (Jesus) to bring good news, proclaim liberty, and offer comfort and salvation to the afflicted and brokenhearted.
• Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:17, 18; Judges 3:10; Isaiah 11:2): The “Spirit of the Lord” is the Holy Spirit, who brings freedom, transforms believers into the image of Christ, and enables them to fulfill God’s purposes. It is the Holy Spirit’s presence that empowers and directs individuals in their service to God.
• Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 1 John 4:6; 1 John 5:6): The “Spirit of Truth” is another name for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role as the revealer and communicator of divine truth. The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and testifies to the truth of Jesus Christ.
• Spirit of Understanding (Isaiah 11:2): In this prophetic passage, the “Spirit of Understanding” is one of the attributes of the Messiah, referring to the Holy Spirit’s work in imparting spiritual discernment and insight to believers.
• Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:17): In this verse, the Apostle Paul prays for believers to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This refers to the Holy Spirit’s role in granting spiritual insight, understanding, and revelation of God’s truth to believers, enabling them to grow in their knowledge of Christ and His redemptive work.
• Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2): In this prophetic passage, the “Spirit of Wisdom” is one of the attributes of the coming Messiah. It signifies that the Holy Spirit imparts divine wisdom and discernment to fulfill God’s purposes.
• Spirit of your Father (Matthew 10:20, 21): Jesus, in instructing His disciples, assures them that the Spirit of their Father will speak through them when they face trials and persecution. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from God the Father, will provide guidance and words to speak in difficult situations.
• The Comforter (John 15:26; 16:7): Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” or “Helper” who will come to the disciples after Jesus’ departure. The Holy Spirit brings comfort, encouragement, and support to believers, guiding them in truth and empowering them for their mission.
• The Lord is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17, 18): In this passage, Paul affirms that the Lord (Jesus) is the Holy Spirit who brings freedom and transforms believers into His image. The Holy Spirit’s work leads believers into increasing glory as they behold Christ’s character.
• Holy Spirit is called “HE” and “HIS” (Romans 8:11): This verse uses personal pronouns such as “He” and “His” to refer to the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a person with personal attributes, not merely an impersonal force.
• The Spirit (Jude 1:19): This reference simply mentions the Holy Spirit as “The Spirit,” emphasizing His identity as the third person of the Trinity and the source of spiritual power and guidance.
• fountain of living waters: (Jeremiah 2:13). This portrays God(Holy Spirit) as the source of spiritual refreshment, renewal, and sustenance for His people.
• living water:(John 4:10-14): Jesus uses the term “living water” to describe the work of the Holy Spirit.Lord Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit, whom believers receive upon accepting Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit brings spiritual refreshment, satisfaction, and eternal life to those who believe. Just as physical water is essential for physical life, the living water of the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual life and transformation.
• Spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4): The Spirit of burning represents God’s desire to bring His people to a place of holiness and purity.
• Spirit of unity (Ephesians 4:3): The “Spirit of unity” refers to the Holy Spirit’s role in promoting and maintaining unity within the body of Christ, the Church.
• Spirit of sonship (Romans 8:15): Holy Spirit assures believers of their identity as God’s children, granting them the privilege to call God “Abba, Father” and experience a close and intimate relationship with Him.
• Spirit of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7): The “Spirit of a sound mind” points to the Holy Spirit’s role in providing wisdom, self-control, and mental clarity to believers.
• Spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13): The Holy Spirit enables believers to confidently believe in God’s promises and live by faith in Christ.
• Restrainer (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7): The term “Restrainer” refers to the Holy Spirit’s role in restraining evil and lawlessness in the world.
• Convicter (John 16:8-11): The “Convicter” or “Convicting Spirit” is one of the Holy Spirit’s roles in the world. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, revealing the truth of human sinfulness, the righteousness of Christ, and the impending judgment.
• Teacher (John 14:26): Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Teacher” who will come and remind the disciples of His teachings and reveal further truths to them. The Spirit guides believers into a deeper understanding of God’s Word and spiritual truths.
• Reminder (John 14:26): The Holy Spirit serves as the “Reminder” of Jesus’ teachings and promises. He brings to mind the truths of God’s Word, encouraging and strengthening believers in their faith.
• Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7): The term “Helper” emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role as a divine helper and comforter for believers. He comes alongside them, providing guidance, support, and assistance in their Christian journey.
• Comforter (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7): “Comforter” is another term used interchangeably with “Helper” to describe the Holy Spirit’s comforting and consoling presence among believers, especially during times of difficulty or sorrow.
• Advocate (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7): The “Advocate” signifies the Holy Spirit’s role as the believer’s advocate or intercessor before God. He represents and speaks on behalf of believers, bringing their needs and petitions before the Father.
• Intercessor (Romans 8:26): The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers when they don’t know how to pray or express their deepest needs and concerns. He assists them in their prayers and aligns their requests with God’s will.
• Spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17): The “Spirit of revelation” highlights the Holy Spirit’s work in illuminating spiritual truths and revealing God’s plans and mysteries to believers. He opens their eyes to understand God’s Word and divine purposes.
• Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Ephesians 1:13): “Holy Spirit” is the most common name used in the New Testament to refer to the third person of the Trinity. It emphasizes His divine nature, holiness, and sanctifying work in the lives of believers.
• Spirit of the Lord God (Isaiah 61:1): In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the Holy Spirit of the Lord God being upon the Messiah (the Anointed One) to empower Him for His mission. This verse is a Messianic prophecy that foretells the anointing of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.
• His Spirit (Isaiah 34:16; Isaiah 48:16): These verses refer to God’s Spirit or the Holy Spirit. They emphasize that the Holy Spirit belongs to God and is sent forth by Him for specific purposes, such as guiding and leading His people.
• Thy Spirit (Psalm 139:7): In this verse, David acknowledges the omnipresence of God’s Holy Spirit. He recognizes that wherever he goes, God’s Holy Spirit is there, intimately aware of his actions and thoughts.
• The Spirit of the Lord God Almighty (Isaiah 28:6): This verse speaks of the Holy Spirit of the Lord God Almighty as a source of wisdom and understanding. It is the Holy Spirit who imparts wisdom and knowledge to those who follow the Lord.
• The Spirit of judgment (Isaiah 4:4): The “Spirit of judgment” refers to God’s Holy Spirit bringing about righteousness and justice. He executes righteous judgments and purifies His people.
• The Spirit of prophecy (Numbers 11:25-26): In this passage, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a group of seventy elders, enabling them to prophesy. The Holy Spirit empowers them to speak God’s messages and show that they are chosen and anointed for their role.
• The Spirit of the Lord’s hand (Isaiah 48:13): This verse describes the Holy Spirit of the Lord’s hand as the one who has stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. It emphasizes the creative and sovereign power of the Holy Spirit.
• The Spirit of the Lord’s mouth (Isaiah 59:21): This verse speaks of the Holy Spirit’s work in and through God’s people, ensuring that God’s words and covenant will never depart from their mouths or the mouths of their descendants.
• The breath of the Almighty (Job 33:4): The “breath of the Almighty” refers to the Holy Spirit of God as the source of life and animation in all living creatures. The Holy Spirit gives life and breath to everything that exists.
• The voice of the Spirit (Ezekiel 3:12): In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel hears the voice of the Holy Spirit calling him to speak God’s words to the people of Israel. The Spirit communicates God’s messages to His chosen messengers.
• The Spirit of wisdom and understanding (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 40:13): These verses describe the Spirit as the source of wisdom, understanding, and counsel. He imparts divine wisdom and understanding to God’s people and is the ultimate source of all knowledge.
• The Spirit of life (Genesis 7:15; Job 33:4): The “Spirit of life” refers to the breath of life that God breathes into living creatures, giving them life and sustaining their existence.
• The Spirit of His mouth (Psalm 33:6): This verse highlights God’s creative power through His spoken word, symbolized by the Holy Spirit of His mouth.
• The Spirit of His Son (Proverbs 30:4): This verse acknowledges God’s role in creating all things through His Spirit and Son.
• The good Spirit (Nehemiah 9:20; Psalm 143:10): These verses speak of the Holy Spirit’s goodness and benevolence. The Spirit leads, teaches, and guides His people on the right path.
• The Spirit of His love (Isaiah 63:9-10): This passage speaks of the Holy Spirit’s love and compassion for God’s people. The Spirit grieves over their disobedience and works to bring about redemption and reconciliation.
• The Spirit of His grace (Zechariah 12:10): This verse mentions the Spirit of grace and supplication, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in bringing about repentance and a heart of supplication among God’s people.
• The Spirit of His presence (Psalm 51:11): King David, in his prayer of repentance, asks God not to take His Holy Spirit from him. This verse underscores the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
• The Spirit of His mouth (Isaiah 11:4): This verse describes the Spirit’s role in executing God’s judgment and justice. The Holy Spirit’s actions are accomplished through the Word of God.
• The Spirit of His understanding (Isaiah 40:13): This verse emphasizes the wisdom and knowledge of the Holy Spirit, who is fully acquainted with God’s thoughts and ways.
• The Spirit of His might (Isaiah 40:13): This verse highlights the Spirit’s understanding and knowledge of God’s ways. The Spirit of might demonstrates God’s power and strength.
• The Spirit of His nostrils (2 Samuel 22:16): This verse poetically describes the anger of the Lord being kindled by His Holy Spirit, symbolized by the imagery of His nostrils.

These references reveal different aspects of the Holy Spirit’s nature, work, and attributes as described in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Triune Godhead, actively involved in the lives of believers, guiding, empowering, and revealing God’s truth and wisdom to them.