Augustine of Hippo : WHAT DOES SPIRIT OF LIFE MEAN? — It should be noted that the phrase: wherein is spirit of life , refers not only to men, but also to animals. Some authors want to see here an allusion to the Holy Spirit for what is said elsewhere: And God breathed into his face the spirit of life (Genesis 2:7). However, some manuscripts bear with more accuracy: "a breath of life." [ — QUESTIONS ON GENESIS, Q. 8 (tr. J. Litteral, draft)