What names and titles does the Bible use for the Holy Spirit?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible uses many names and titles for the Holy Spirit, each reflecting a specific role, function, or aspect of His character, such as Counselor, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Truth, and Comforter. While understanding these names helps us grasp how the Holy Spirit works in the world, the most transformative truth is that the same Spirit who fulfills these roles lives permanently within all who trust in Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This indwelling presence assures believers that they are never alone, and that God’s guidance, empowerment, and encouragement are always available. Knowing the Holy Spirit’s names and recognizing His presence deepens our trust, reliance, and intimacy with God. Ultimately, the study of the Holy Spirit’s names helps us recognize and respond to His ongoing work in our lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Holy Spirit is mentioned by many names in the Bible, usually in reference to a particular role or function. The following is a listing of the biblical names of the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament (from Torrey's New Topical Textbook):
• Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4)
• Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of counsel (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of might (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of understanding (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of judgment (Isaiah 4:4)
• Spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4)
• Spirit of the Lord God (Isaiah 61:1)
• Breath of the Almighty (Job 33:4)
• Good Spirit (Nehemiah 9:20; Psalms 143:10)
• Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:11)
• Free Spirit (Psalm 51:12 KJV)
• Spirit of grace (Zechariah 12:10)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament also contains many names for the Holy Spirit (from Torrey's New Topical Textbook):
• Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14)
• Lord, The (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
• Spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
• Spirit of the Son (Galatians 4:6)
• Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
• Comforter (KJV), Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26)
• Spirit of truth (John 14:17; 15:26)
• Power of the Highest (Luke 1:35 KJV)
• Spirit of the Father (Matthew 10:20)
• Spirit, The (Matthew 4:1; John 3:6; 1 Timothy 4:1)
• Spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10)
• Seven Spirits of God (Revelation 1:4)
• Spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4)
• Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15)
• Spirit of life (Romans 8:2; Revelation 11:11, KJV)
• Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11)
• One special name used by Jesus in reference to the Holy Spirit is "Helper." Four times in John's Gospel, Jesus calls the Spirit our "Helper" (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).
• In addition to these names, many references are made to the Holy Spirit, with some scholars counting as many as 126 different labels (John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Knowing the names of the Holy Spirit helps us understand His character, roles, and how He works in the world—whether as Counselor, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, or Spirit of Wisdom. Each name highlights a different aspect of His work, revealing how He guides, convicts, empowers, and teaches God’s people. While this knowledge is important, the most life-changing truth is that the same Holy Spirit who fulfills these roles does not just act from a distance—He lives inside of all those who trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

Knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within believers transforms our relationship with God, giving us confidence that we are never alone and that His work in our lives is ongoing. It also reminds us that obedience, spiritual growth, and the fruit of the Spirit are not achieved by our own strength but through His continual presence and empowerment. Ultimately, understanding both His names and His indwelling presence deepens our trust, reliance, and intimacy with God. As we study the names of the Holy Spirit, we can better know the One who indwells believers and empowers them to live out the teachings of God's Word.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible gives the Holy Spirit many names, each showing a different role or aspect of His character.
• The names of the Holy Spirit reveal how He works in the lives of God’s people.
• Most importantly, the Holy Spirit permanently lives within every believer.

REFLECT

• How does knowing the names of the Holy Spirit deepen your understanding of who He is and what He does in your life?
• How does it encourage you to realize that the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives within you?
• How might your daily decisions and spiritual growth change when you rely on the Holy Spirit’s ongoing presence instead of your own strength?

ENGAGE

• What do the names of the Holy Spirit reveal about His character and role in our lives?
• How can understanding the different roles of the Holy Spirit help us as believers encourage and support one another?
• How can we recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives today?