Job 33:4
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Original Language Analysis
רֽוּחַ
The Spirit
H7307
רֽוּחַ
The Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
1 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֵ֥ל
of God
H410
אֵ֥ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
עָשָׂ֑תְנִי
hath made
H6213
עָשָׂ֑תְנִי
hath made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Genesis 2:7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.Job 27:3All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.Job 10:12Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Job 10:3Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?
Historical Context
Elihu's reference to God's Spirit creating and giving life echoes Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam. Ancient Near Eastern cosmologies portrayed humans as created by gods, but biblical creation uniquely emphasizes God's personal breath giving life. Elihu's self-description establishes humility—he speaks as fellow creature, not superior sage, yet claims divine inspiration for his words.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our common dependence on God's creative breath affect how we interact with others?
- What is the difference between claiming divine inspiration for our words and presuming our opinions equal God's truth?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu declares: 'The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.' The phrase ruach-El (רוּחַ־אֵל, Spirit of God) parallels nishmat Shaddai (נִשְׁמַת שַׁדַּי, breath of the Almighty). Both asatni (עָשָׂתְנִי, made me) and techayeni (תְּחַיֵּנִי, given me life) emphasize dependence on God for existence. Elihu establishes common ground with Job—both are creatures owing existence to God's creative breath. This acknowledgment of creaturely equality prepares Elihu's argument: neither can claim superiority, both must submit to divine wisdom.