Job Chapter 32 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֭י H3588
כִּ֭י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָלֵ֣תִי For I am full H4390
מָלֵ֣תִי For I am full
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 2 of 6
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
מִלִּ֑ים of matter H4405
מִלִּ֑ים of matter
Strong's: H4405
Word #: 3 of 6
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
הֱ֝צִיקַ֗תְנִי me constraineth H6693
הֱ֝צִיקַ֗תְנִי me constraineth
Strong's: H6693
Word #: 4 of 6
to compress, i.e., (figuratively) oppress, distress
ר֣וּחַ the spirit H7307
ר֣וּחַ the spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 5 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
בִּטְנִֽי׃ within H990
בִּטְנִֽי׃ within
Strong's: H990
Word #: 6 of 6
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

Analysis & Commentary

Elihu explains: 'For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.' This describes inner compulsion to speak - words demanding utterance. Yet divine inspiration doesn't equal divine authority - Elihu is not mentioned in God's final verdict.

Historical Context

Ancient prophets experienced similar compulsion (Jeremiah 20:9). Elihu claims this authority but God's silence about him suggests his speech lacks full divine sanction.

Questions for Reflection