Confused by the personhood of the Holy Spirit

LearningToLetGo

LearningToLetGo

The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".

Could someone shed some light on this please?

Thanks
 
LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".

Could someone shed some light on this please?

Thanks
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John 4:
23But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. 24God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

25The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”

26Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”

Here we see God is Spirit, as in the Father is Spirit. He is the essence of power. Later in John, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Helper as you said. The Spirit hovered over the waters in Genesis. Peter and other disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit". Also the Lord's Spirit left King Saul in the OT. Through this we see the Holy Spirit as the personal connection to God.
 
LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper". Could someone shed some light on this please?
Thanks
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Siloam said:
Thw personhood of the Spirit can be seen by observing His reponse of us, For a soberig example, the Spirit can be grieved by intemperate speach. See Eph 4:30. The emotional response shows a personal reaction.
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Big Moose said:
John 4:
23But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. 24God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” 25The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” 26Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.” Here we see God is Spirit, as in the Father is Spirit. He is the essence of power. Later in John, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as the Helper as you said. The Spirit hovered over the waters in Genesis. Peter and other disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit". Also the Lord's Spirit left King Saul in the OT. Through this we see the Holy Spirit as the personal connection to God.
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Good morning, LearningToLetGo, Siloam and Big Moose;

Thank you, brothers for posting excellent points!

I have to confess that understanding the Holy Spirit isn't some quick thought answer. There are many ways to identify the "personhood" of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26, 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. - KJV

Romans 8:26-27, 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. - ESV

I always refer to these passages which include the verbs, or the personhood of the Holy Spirit in my prayers daily to the Father.

God bless you, brothers, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Bob
 
LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".
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Ironically it is also in John where He is called the Comforter (14:16,18,26: 16:7), Spirit of Truth (14:17), Convicter of sin, righteousness and judgment (16:8-11)L leads into truth (16:13): He will glorify Jesus (not Himself) (Jn 16:14), maybe that's why His person hood seems vague?
Also He is called God in comparative terms (Acts 5:4).
 
LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".

Could someone shed some light on this please?

Thanks
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There are other passages which point to the personhood. Collectively they establish the personhood of the Holy Spirit. Here are two that come to mind.

(1) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30)

It is not possible to grieve an inanimate object or force.

(2) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?

Again here we have the same thing in this verse. It is not possible to lie to an inanimate object or force.

And if we read on in that same passage we read this very interesting link.

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4)
 
bobinfaith said:
Romans 8:26-27, 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. - ESV
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Hey Bob! Who is the "he" in verse 27? I always groaned at Paul using so many pronouns in his inspired writings. Anybody can answer as well.
 
Big Moose said:
Hey Bob! Who is the "he" in verse 27? I always groaned at Paul using so many pronouns in his inspired writings. Anybody can answer as well.
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I would say in context it is the Holy Spirit Paul is referring to, but elsewhere it is plain Jesus does the same...

Revelation 2:23 (KJV) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
 
LearningToLetGo said:
he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".
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that is what He is a helper another word comforter which mean as one who walks along beside us. also the spirit of truth another word we have a unction indwelling presence of the spirit
Big Moose said:
Hey Bob! Who is the "he" in verse 27? I always groaned at Paul using so many pronouns in his inspired writings. Anybody can answer as well.
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paul used He in Thessalonians only He who will let For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. He is teh restrainer aka the Holy Spirit Ghost 2 Thessalonians 2:7
 
Big Moose said:
Hey Bob! Who is the "he" in verse 27? I always groaned at Paul using so many pronouns in his inspired writings. Anybody can answer as well.
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crossnote said:
I would say in context it is the Holy Spirit Paul is referring to, but elsewhere it is plain Jesus does the same...Revelation 2:23 (KJV) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
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forgiven61 said:
that is what He is a helper another word comforter which mean as one who walks along beside us. also the spirit of truth another word we have a unction indwelling presence of the spirit paul used He in Thessalonians only He who will let For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. He is teh restrainer aka the Holy Spirit Ghost 2 Thessalonians 2:7
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Hey Big Moose;

That is a great question. crossnote and forgiven answered it. Verse 27 is referring to the Holy Spirit "he" who is interceding (on behalf of another) to the Father's will.

27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. - ESV

God bless everyone.
 
We know the Father's name, YHWH. We know the son's name, Jesus. We don't, however, know the Holy Spirit's name or indeed even if he has one. We know the Holy Spirit has person hood as has the other pillars of the Trinity. It's just strange to me that one third of God's person is left undefined, or at least far less defined.
 
LearningToLetGo said:
We know the Father's name, YHWH. We know the son's name, Jesus. We don't, however, know the Holy Spirit's name or indeed even if he has one. We know the Holy Spirit has person hood as has the other pillars of the Trinity. It's just strange to me that one third of God's person is left undefined, or at least far less defined.
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The following verse may be the reason He goes nameless (i.e. He avoids the limelight)...

John 16:13 KJV
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
 
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LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".

Could someone shed some light on this please?

Thanks
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I love deep questions like this,. a good way to wake me up on a Sunday Morning.

The question of the Holy Spirit’s personhood and role is a rich theological topic, and you're correct that the Bible does not provide the same level of explicit detail about the Holy Spirit’s "personhood" as it does for the Father and the Son. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals significant insights into the identity, nature, and relational role of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity and with humanity.

Here’s an exploration of why the Holy Spirit may seem more "vague" and how Scripture clarifies His personhood:
Bare with me why I clarify this in my opinion of course, but backed by scripture.

1. The Holy Spirit's Role as the Invisible Presence of God​

  • Primary Focus: The Holy Spirit operates as the active, indwelling presence of God rather than a figure who draws attention to Himself.
    • John 16:13-14:
      "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you."
      This shows that the Holy Spirit’s purpose is to glorify the Son and guide believers into truth, not to draw attention to Himself. His relational and "supporting" role may contribute to the perceived vagueness.
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2. The Holy Spirit’s Names and Titles​

While the Holy Spirit is not given a personal name like "Father" or "Son," He is described by numerous titles that reflect His character and work:

  • Helper (Paraclete):
    • John 14:16-17:
      "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth."
      The term "Helper" (Paraclete in Greek) can also mean Advocate, Comforter, or Counselor, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in aiding and empowering believers.
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  • Spirit of Truth (John 16:13): Highlights the Spirit’s role in revealing and affirming truth.
  • Spirit of God (Romans 8:9): Indicates His divine origin and essence.
  • Spirit of Christ (Philippians 1:19): Reflects His unity with Christ.

3. Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s Personhood​

Despite lacking a personal name, the Holy Spirit demonstrates attributes and actions of personhood in Scripture:

  • Mind, Will, and Emotions:
    • Mind: The Holy Spirit "knows" the thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).
    • Will: The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts "as he determines" (1 Corinthians 12:11).
    • Emotions: The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
  • Actions of Personhood:
    • He speaks: Acts 13:2 ("The Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul...'").
    • He teaches: John 14:26 ("He will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.").
    • He intercedes: Romans 8:26-27 ("The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.").
These qualities affirm that the Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an abstract presence but a personal being.

4. The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son​

  • Unity within the Trinity:
    • The Holy Spirit is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. The Nicene Creed (325 AD) affirms this, declaring the Holy Spirit to be the "Lord and Giver of Life" who "proceeds from the Father and the Son."
    • Jesus emphasizes the Trinitarian relationship in the Great Commission:
      • Matthew 28:19:
        "Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
        This shows the Holy Spirit is equal in authority and divine status.
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  • Distinct yet United:
    The Holy Spirit’s work is often behind the scenes, empowering the mission of the Son and applying the Father’s will to creation. For example:
    • Creation: Genesis 1:2 (The Spirit "hovered over the waters").
    • Incarnation: Luke 1:35 (The Spirit enabled Mary to conceive Jesus).
    • Resurrection: Romans 8:11 (The Spirit raised Jesus from the dead).

5. The Holy Spirit’s Relationship with Humanity​

  • The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of God’s presence in the lives of believers:
    • Indwelling: The Spirit lives in believers, making them temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
    • Guidance: He leads and directs (Romans 8:14).
    • Sanctification: He transforms believers to reflect Christ’s character (Galatians 5:22-23).
    • Empowerment: He equips believers for service through spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
  • This relational and transformative work makes the Spirit deeply personal, even if His personhood is less overtly described.

6. Why Is the Holy Spirit More Vague?​

  • Purposeful Mystery: The Holy Spirit’s less prominent role in descriptions may reflect His mission to glorify Christ and direct attention to God the Father and the Son rather than Himself (John 16:13-14). I truly thing this is and intentional design.
  • Cultural Context: Ancient Jewish and early Christian audiences may have found the Spirit’s "invisible" and dynamic work harder to conceptualize than the Father and Son’s relational imagery (e.g., fatherhood, sonship).
  • Focus on Function over Identity: Much of Scripture focuses on what the Spirit does—empowering, sanctifying, guiding—rather than His "personhood" in relational terms.

Conclusion​

While the Holy Spirit is not described with the same relational language as the Father and the Son, the Bible reveals Him as a distinct person within the Trinity, fully divine and deeply involved in the life of believers. His role is intentionally subtle, emphasizing His work of pointing to Christ, empowering the Church, and transforming individuals. Far from being an impersonal force, the Holy Spirit is a living, active, and personal presence, enabling believers to experience God intimately. These are my findings others may vary.
 
Origen said:
There are other passages which point to the personhood. Collectively they establish the personhood of the Holy Spirit. Here are two that come to mind. (1) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30) It is not possible to grieve an inanimate object or force. (2) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? Again here we have the same thing in this verse. It is not possible to lie to an inanimate object or force. And if we read on in that same passage we read this very interesting link. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4)
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LearningToLetGo said:
We know the Father's name, YHWH. We know the son's name, Jesus. We don't, however, know the Holy Spirit's name or indeed even if he has one. We know the Holy Spirit has person hood as has the other pillars of the Trinity. It's just strange to me that one third of God's person is left undefined, or at least far less defined.
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Good morning, LearningToLetGo;

As mentioned earlier, the Holy Spirit is identified in many ways regarding the "personhood" of the Holy Spirit. There are always many other areas with questions, objectives and suggestions regarding God's Word.

The Word is so much higher for us as disciples and God empowers us to attain gained knowledge and wisdom for His purpose. Just like computer sciences, rocket science or Septuagint studies aren't attained on shallow understanding which some of our members who are skilled in these areas will agree.

The post responses have provided constructive views. Praise God for that.

Let's continue and see what more we can gain in this discussion.

God bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving.



 
LearningToLetGo said:
The Bible seems intentionally vague on the subject the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, both the Father and the Son have names and descriptions, as well as relationship with each other and with us. The Holy Spirit has neither. The closest I have found is in John where he calls the Holy Spirit the "helper".

Could someone shed some light on this please?

Thanks
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Godhead - At the source there is the provision by the whole Godhead,


Father - with the initial movement of the Father;

Son - the administration of the Son;

Holy Spirit - and the direct agency of the Holy Spirit.



The Holy Spirit proceeds

* from the Father and

* from the Son and

* so through the Body of Christ and it members.
 
Marilyn C said:
Godhead - At the source there is the provision by the whole Godhead,


Father - with the initial movement of the Father;

Son - the administration of the Son;

Holy Spirit - and the direct agency of the Holy Spirit.



The Holy Spirit proceeds

* from the Father and

* from the Son and

* so through the Body of Christ and it members.
Click to expand...

What of the Holy Spirit's individual person?
 
LearningToLetGo said:
What of the Holy Spirit's individual person?
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Hi LearningToLetGo,

All the persons of the Godhead are related to each other. That is why I wrote about them. They are not separate from each other. We know the names Father and Son, however, the Son of God is the image of the Father not subservient to Him. And the Holy Spirit is sent by then to do their will. He is the operating, energizing power of the Godhead. He does nothing of Himself but in accord with the Godhead.

His name is `HOLY Spirit.` There are many spirits in the world, but the third person of the Godhead is the HOLY Spirit. None other is Holy. He is the 7 fold Spirit before the throne of God. (Rev. 4: 5)

`...the Spirit of the LORD.....the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. ` (Isa. 11: 2)

Each person of the Godhead is named in relationship to the others. (as I said before). Thus, the HOLY Spirit is the Spirit of the (Holy) Godhead going forth to operate in the 7 aspects above mentioned.

His name is HOLY ....Spirit.
 
LearningToLetGo said:
We know the Father's name, YHWH. We know the son's name, Jesus. We don't, however, know the Holy Spirit's name or indeed even if he has one. We know the Holy Spirit has person hood as has the other pillars of the Trinity. It's just strange to me that one third of God's person is left undefined, or at least far less defined.
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I do not know if I can add to what has already been said to you.

I would say however that in almost every instance, in the Scriptures, the pronouns used in reference to the Spirit are he and him, not it. In this way, the original Greek of the New Testament is explicit in confirming the person of the Holy Spirit.

The word for “Spirit” (pneuma) in the Greek is grammatically neuter and would naturally take neuter pronouns to have grammatical agreement. Yet, in many cases, masculine pronouns are found. There is no other way to understand these ”ungrammatical” pronouns related to the Holy Spirit—He is a personal being, a “He.”

Then consider that the personhood of the Holy Spirit is also affirmed by His many works.

1. He was personally involved in creation (Genesis 1:2),
2. Empowers God’s people (Zechariah 4:6),
3. Guides us inour walk in life guides (Romans 8:14),
4. Comforts us (John 14:26),
5. Convicts us of our sin(John 16:8),
6. Teaches (John 16:13),
7. Restrains sin (Isaiah 59:19), and
8. Gives commands (Acts 8:29).

That is just a sampling of His works and each of these works requires the involvement of a person rather than a mere force, thing, or idea.

In Acts 5:3–4, Peter referred to the Holy Spirit as God, when he said......
“Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

You then asked if the Holy Spirit has a name.
Well, we do have several biblical titles or descriptions of the Holy Spirit's role within the Godhead. Perhaps the most encouraging title of all to us is Comforter, or in the Greek, paracletos, which is who Jesus said was coming when He was leaving which means primarily one who is called alongside another person, but also one who provides comfort and counsel.
Sources....John 14:16 & 26; 15:26and 16:7.

A better question might be, "Do the Holy Spirit and the Son of God have a name in common with the Father?" And the answer is yes. Recall the experience of Moses, in Exodus chapter 3:13-14 and 15..........
"Then Moses said to God, 'Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and He said, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM' has sent you. . . . This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations" .

Now for me......that answers your question of an "Individual name of the PERSON of the Holy Spirit". I hope that it does for you as well.
 
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