SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED OR PNEUMATIKOS

The word “pneumatikos” is Greek and is referenced as Strong's Concordance Word #4152. To understand what is meant by the Biblical term “Spiritually Discerned” we must first understand what it means in it's original scriptural context.

The frequency of this term in the English version New Testament is 26 times, depending on which Biblical translation you are referencing from. In short form we find it to be “spiritual, pertaining to the Spirit; (n.) spiritual person.”

Now let us look at the deeper definition:

“Spiritual, pertaining to the soul, as distinguished from what concerns the body”

Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11; spiritual, pertaining to the nature of spirit, pertaining or relating to the influences of the Holy Spirit (Aggio Pneuma/Holy Spirit/Holy Breath).

Let us also be mindful that the Greek word “pneuma” means breath, air, Spirit. You can find the word used in English for example, pneumatic tools such as power tools operated by air-compressors. Among ancient teachings, in the early Mystery Schools, a “Pneumatic” was a level of attainment through the initiation process of the Ancient Inner Mysteries.

Now let's look at 1 Corinthians 2:14 in a different light:

Young's Literal Translation

“... and the natural man doth not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for to him they are foolishness, and he is not able to know them, because spiritually they are discerned; ...”

King James Bible

“... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

“For a selfish man does not receive spiritual things, for they are madness to him, and he is not able to know, for they are known by The Spirit.”

So, let's break this up and go a bit deeper.

For the natural (ego-self/physical/sense-driven) does not receive (reception) spiritual things (unseen/spirit vs. matter/non-physical) for they (these Spirit concepts) are madness (foolish/incomprehensible) to him, and he not able to know them (Truth), because they are “spiritually discerned ... KNOWN by the Spirit (indwelling/unseen).

You see, this was Paul's way of explaining that what he was trying to teach them was not to be taken physically, literally, or historically ... it was allegory, metaphor, Truth contained within a myth or fable. Therefore, to be “spiritually discerned” is to look beyond the physical (metaphysical) into the realm of the unseen. As Jesus was quoted as saying “the Kingdom comes without observation” ... meaning you can't see it. Just as we cannot see air, or breath, or Spirit (pneuma). Therefore one who is Pneumatikos, is one who can discern/know the inner meaning ... the temple built without hands. An ascended one of higher consciousness.

Just a thought ...

Justin Taylor, ORDM.