Answer: The Greek word pneuma, here translated “spirit,” like its corresponding Hebrew word ruach, has at least twelve different meanings, as used in the Bible. The root meaning of these words is invisible power. One of the meanings is the right to life (Psalm 31: 5) (Acts 7: 59).

The Greek word in Luke 23: 46 that is translated “commend” means to deposit, to commit or entrust something into another’s charge or care. Jesus’ prayer obviously uses the word “spirit” in the sense of the right to life, which contains two thoughts: (1) that He deposited with the Father His right to life as a New Creature, for God to keep it safely until the time for His resurrection, when God would return it to Him; and (2) that He deposited His human right to life, for His use of it after His resurrection to the Divine nature, in an imputation for the Church during the Gospel Age, and for an application for the world in the Millennial Age. He made the deposit in the full assurance of faith that God would keep it for its intended uses.  

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