The answer is: The breath of life

Gen 2:7

In the captivating creation narrative of Genesis 2:7, we witness a profound moment as God forms Adam from the dust of the ground. This act isn’t merely about physical creation; it’s about the initiating spark of life. The "breath of life" that God breathes into Adam transforms him from an inanimate statue into a living being. Isn’t this image powerful? The Creator using a simple act of breathing to gift life brings forth profound themes of intimacy and relationship.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for "breath" here is "ruach," which means spirit or wind. This implies a connection between life and the divine spirit—a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The same "ruach" is seen later in the account of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37, where breath brings perspective and renewal to what is lifeless.

Additionally, this breath-creating act happens first in a garden one might see as a microcosm of humanity's connection to nature and the divine. In ancient cultures, and indeed still today, breath symbolizes life, presence, and soul. Just think of how many instances involve breathing—think of every heartfelt sigh or labored breath during difficult times. The narrative invites us to appreciate not just our beginnings but also the breath we take each moment. It is a reminder that we’re all part of a larger creation, intertwined with the breath of life that God so gracefully shared.