Bible Dictionary
SPIRITUAL MAN
The spiritual man is a person renewed and ruled by the Holy Spirit, in contrast with the natural or unrenewed person. The Spirit gives such a person spiritual understanding, moral renewal, and power for Christian witness.
Definition
The spiritual man is a person in whom the Holy Spirit dwells and rules. In contrast with the natural or unrenewed person, he is spiritually enlightened, morally renewed, and empowered for service.
Biblical Usage
The spiritual man discerns or interprets all things, is described as a new creature and a new man, and receives power for witness. His condition depends on the indwelling and governing presence of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(ho pneumatikos): In distinction from the natural, the unrenewed man (1Co 2:15); man in whom the Holy Spirit dwells and rules. This divine indwelling insures mental illumination: "He that is spiritual discerneth (AVm) (or interpreteth) all things"; moral renewal: "a new creature" (2Co 5:17); "a new man" (Eph 4:24); spiritual enduement: "Ye shall receive power" (Ac 1:8).</p><p>See SPIRITUAL, 2; SPIRITUALITY; MAN.</p>