Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
Original Language Analysis
רֽוּחַ
there is a spirit
H7307
רֽוּחַ
there is a spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
הִ֣יא
H1931
הִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בֶאֱנ֑וֹשׁ
in man
H582
בֶאֱנ֑וֹשׁ
in man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
Cross References
Job 38:36Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?Job 33:4The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Ecclesiastes 2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.1 Kings 3:12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.Job 35:11Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?1 Corinthians 12:8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;1 Kings 3:28And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures venerated age and assumed elders possessed superior wisdom. Elihu (younger than the other speakers) challenges this assumption, arguing that divine inspiration matters more than age. His speeches (chapters 32-37) prepare for God's response by shifting focus from human wisdom (which all speakers including Job claimed) to divine revelation (which will correct all).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's claim that inspiration matters more than age challenge our assumptions about authority?
- What is the relationship between human wisdom and divine inspiration in understanding God's ways?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu declares: 'But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.' The word ruach (רוּחַ, spirit) refers to the life-breath or spirit God breathed into humanity (Genesis 2:7). Nishmat Shaddai (נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי, inspiration of the Almighty) literally means 'breath of the Almighty.' Biyn (בִּין, understanding) means discernment or insight. Elihu argues that wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age but through divine inspiration. This corrects the assumption that elders monopolize wisdom, preparing for God's direct speech that will supersede all human wisdom.