A different translation of Luke 11:13

[Paidion]

If then you evil ones know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father out of heaven give a holy spirit to those who ask Him?

Could this refer to our desire to have no longer a selfish spirit, or an unkind spirit, but rather a holy spirit? So we ask our heavenly Father for such a spirit?

In Greek, the article does not occur before the words "holy spirit", and so the above translation is possible. Yet, in some contexts where "holy spirit" occurs without the article, the words do seem to refer to the Holy Spirit, and so it cannot be concluded that the verse quoted above must not be translated as "the Holy Spirit".

What do you think?

[Michelle]

If then you evil ones know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father out of heaven give a holy spirit to those who ask Him?

Could this refer to our desire to have no longer a selfish spirit, or an unkind spirit, but rather a holy spirit? So we ask our heavenly Father for such a spirit?

In Greek, the article does not occur before the words "holy spirit", and so the above translation is possible. Yet, in some contexts where "holy spirit" occurs without the article, the words do seem to refer to the Holy Spirit, and so it cannot be concluded that the verse quoted above must not be translated as "the Holy Spirit".

What do you think?

I think that it could be possible that it means 'a holy spirit' rather than "The Holy Spirit." What, to you, would 'a holy spirit' mean? How would you know if you had one?

[Paidion]

How would you know if you had one?

Well, how would you know if you had a mean, selfish spirit? You'd be mean-spirited and selfish.
If on the other hand, you had a holy type of spirit, you would probably not notice it yourself since you'd also be humble-spirited, but others would notice.