12 Titles of the Holy Spirit-- Explained!

This name signifies the Holy Spirit’s role as our public defender in the Trinity, as in Romans 8:26, which says that “...the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

The idea of the Holy Spirit as a comforter doesn’t mean that He is soft and harmless like a plush blanket. Rather, as Isaiah 51:12 says, it signifies His powerful protectiveness towards His people. “I, I am He who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass?”

This title is so similar to those of Advocate and Comforter that they’re almost interchangeable, but there are subtle nuances in each word. Paraclete comes from the Greek word paraklétos, which means “called to one's aid.” The Holy Spirit is a powerful help in times of trouble: something King David knew very well and spoke of frequently in his psalms. “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (Psalm 38:22) Also, if you’re like me, you thought this word was “parakeet” and you imagined the Holy Spirit as a parakeet for your entire childhood.

Whether He appears as a protective guardian, leading the Israelites through the desert in Exodus 13:1, or as the tongues of fire in Acts 2:3 that inspired the Apostles on Pentecost, fire is a common form for the Holy Spirit to take. Fire transforms a landscape, destroying what is dead to allow new life to grow. CCC 696 says that “... fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit's actions.”

The Holy Spirit both promises and is promised many times in the Bible, and these promises are always kept. In Haggai 2:4-5, He says “Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” Many promises and covenants later, Christ Himself promises the Spirit when He says, “ And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:29)

This title is used specifically in the Gospel of Luke during the Annunciation narrative, and it signifies that the Holy Spirit is infinitely more powerful than nature and is able to use that power through human beings. It is used in 2 Corinthians 6 and Acts 1:8, to explain how the Apostles were able to endure persecution and spread the Gospel. It is the same Power that gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and allows saints to speak in tongues and work miracles.

St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, once said that “anyone who searches for God searches for truth, whether he realizes it or not.” Christ concurs with the sentiment, and associates truth with God the Holy Spirit, specifically, in both John 14:17, and 16:13.

This title signifies that the Holy Spirit is the life-giving power of God, who, in tandem with Christ, brings life and redemption to men. CCC 689 says “When the Father sends his Word [Christ,] he always sends his Breath. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. To be sure, it is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals him.”

To continue on from number eight, the Catechism says “The Word of God and his Breath are at the origin of the being and life of every creature: It belongs to the Holy Spirit to rule, sanctify, and animate creation, for he is God, consubstantial with the Father and the Son. . . . Power over life pertains to the Spirit, for being God he preserves creation in the Father through the Son.” (706)

In 1 Samuel 10:6, He says, “Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man.” This, of course, happens exactly as it was said. The Holy Spirit, Who is outside of time, spoke through all of the prophets, giving them knowledge of things that were going to happen. This is especially visible in the prophecies of Isaiah, which give specifics about the life of Christ almost 800 years before He was born. God the Spirit is intimately involved with humanity, and He shows this through the gift of prophecy.

Though this title is used at times to refer to all the members of the Blessed Trinity, it also specifically refers to the Holy Spirit as distinct from the Father and the Son. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.” The Lord is also used by many of the Prophets to denote when God was speaking to the people, a role usually filled by the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.

This title, especially when used in tandem with the titles “Creator” and “Redeemer” for the other members of the Blessed Trinity, and/or the term “God our Father-Mother” signifies that you should run away as fast as possible from whoever is using this title for the Holy Spirit. Seriously.