Bible Dictionaries
Air

Holman Bible Dictionary

Space beneath the sky according to the human sense description of the universe Bible writers used. English versions translate Hebrew ruach, “wind, breath, spirit,” as “air” in Job 41:16 to describe empty space between objects on earth. Compare Jeremiah 14:6 (NAS, RSV). The birds fly in the air ( Matthew 6:26 ). Mourners throw dust into the air (Acts 23:23 ). Inept boxers hit the air instead of opponents (1 Corinthians 9:26 ). Speaking in tongues without an interpreter is vainly speaking in the air with no one understanding (1 Corinthians 14:9 ). More theologically and symbolically, Ephesians 2:2 mentions the “prince of the power of the air,” showing Satan's power to tempt and rule people here below but his lack of power in heaven. At the second coming those still alive will be caught up with those being resurrected to meet the Lord Jesus in the air ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ). The fifth angel of Revelation opens the bottomless pit, which is so dominated by fire that its smoke thus released darkened the sun and the air (Revelation 9:2 ). The seventh angel poured destruction into the air, thus on earth, from his vial (Revelation 16:17 ).