Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Jeffery R. Condit" <kcondit AT attglobal.net>]

Most English versions I have render _ruach_ as "cool" in Genesis 3:8 (KJV,
NAS, NJB, NKJ, NIV).  NRS has "at the time of the evening breeze."  NAB has
"at the breezy time of day."

I don't see where "cool" is coming from, and the "breezes" seem to me to be
trying to "help" the Hebrew.  (Is it an English word play on "breath? :)

Usage data:
        AV -                    NAS
        Spirit or spirit 232,   Spirit 76, spirit 127, spirits 3 (206)
        wind 92,                wind 98, winds 7, windy 2 (107)
        breath 27,              breath 31, breathless (32)
        side 6,                 side 4, sides 2 (6)
        mind 5,                 mind 3
        blast 4,                -
        vain 2,                 -
        air 1,                  2
        anger 1,                1
        cool 1,                 1
        courage 1,              1
        misc 6;                 blast 2, despondency, exposed,
                              grief, heart, inspired, motives,
                              points, quick-tempered, strength,
                              temper 2, thoughts, trustworthy,
                              wrath (16)
        Total 378               375

Is cool a reasonable rendering?  What's the reason?

Is there a better rendering?

Thanks,

Jeff