What Is the Meaning of “Inspiration” (Uvuvio)?

The word “uvuvio” in Swahili can be directly translated as “inspiration” or more literally, “blowing air forcefully.” In a practical sense, it means to blow air—often through the mouth or with a fan—onto something, like hot coals, in order to make them burn more intensely. This action ignites or revives fire.

For example, when you blow on hot charcoal, you’re inspiring the fire—you are adding oxygen, causing it to flare up and grow.

A Biblical Example: Job 20:26

“Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. An unfanned fire will consume him; it shall go ill with him who is left in his tent.” — Job 20:26 (NKJV)

Here, Scripture speaks of “an unfanned fire”—a fire that no human has blown on or kindled. It implies a fire that arises by itself, uncontrollable and destructive. The verse conveys judgment: such fire will consume what remains in the wicked person’s dwelling. This is a spiritual truth too—judgment that comes not by human hands but from divine origin.

If the person had been present, perhaps he would have controlled or moderated the fire for cooking or warmth, and extinguished it after use. But since he was not there, the fire consumed everything—symbolizing how sin or divine judgment, once unleashed, can be beyond our control.

The Spiritual Meaning of “Inspiration” in the New Testament

When we move into the New Testament, the concept of “inspiration” takes on a spiritual dimension. It’s used to describe the receiving of the Holy Spirit, often symbolized by wind or breath.

John 20:22

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” — John 20:22 (NKJV)

Here, Jesus breathed (Greek: enephusēsen) on His disciples—this was a symbolic act of inspiration. It was a prophetic gesture, foreshadowing the actual outpouring of the Holy Spirit that would take place a few days later at Pentecost.

Acts 2:1–4

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. — Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV)

This moment marked the fulfillment of Christ’s earlier promise. The Holy Spirit came down like a mighty rushing wind—the ultimate divine inspiration. Just as wind intensifies a fire, the Holy Spirit ignited spiritual fervor within them. The disciples, once timid, were now bold, speaking in tongues and proclaiming God’s Word with power. The “tongues of fire” were symbolic of spiritual gifts, purification, and divine empowerment.

The Effect of Spiritual Inspiration

This divine inspiration transformed the disciples. The “small flame” within them—their simple faith—was now fanned into a blazing fire. They began speaking words full of power, fire, and life—words that pierced hearts, brought repentance, and turned the world upside down.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just rest on their lips (as symbolized by the tongues); He filled their whole being, equipping them for miracles, signs, and wonders.

This Promise Is for Everyone

This experience was not just for the apostles. The Bible makes it clear:

Acts 2:37–39

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” — Acts 2:37–39 (NKJV)

This promise—the gift of the Holy Spirit—is available to all: to you, to your children, to those far away in time and place. Anyone who genuinely repents, gets baptized in the name of Jesus, and seeks God sincerely can receive this divine inspiration.

Final Reflection

Dear reader, it is possible that God has placed a gift within you, or a calling, or a divine purpose that you have yet to discover. Maybe your spiritual fire is just a flicker—a tiny coal. That’s not a problem; what you need is spiritual inspiration—the blowing of the Holy Spirit upon you to fan your inner fire into full flame.

To receive this, the Bible gives a clear formula:

• Repent genuinely from your sins.

• Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ.

• Seek God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When the breath of God (His Spirit) blows over you, you will be changed. That fire will not just stay in your heart—it will spread through your words, your life, and your calling.

Maranatha! — The Lord is coming!