Job 37:10
By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
Original Language Analysis
מִנִּשְׁמַת
By the breath
H5397
מִנִּשְׁמַת
By the breath
Strong's:
H5397
Word #:
1 of 7
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
אֵ֥ל
of God
H410
אֵ֥ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יִתֶּן
is given
H5414
יִתֶּן
is given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
קָ֑רַח
frost
H7140
קָ֑רַח
frost
Strong's:
H7140
Word #:
4 of 7
ice (as if bald, i.e., smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal
Historical Context
Ancient peoples marveled at water's transformation into solid ice, seeing it as miraculous rather than routine physics. Elihu interprets freezing as God's exhaled breath, connecting meteorology to the creation narrative where divine breath is the source of all animation and order.
Questions for Reflection
- How can the same God whose breath gives life also send seasons that 'freeze' and constrict your circumstances?
- What does the duality of God's breath—both creative and limiting—teach you about His character?
- When have you experienced God's Spirit simultaneously bringing life to some areas while 'freezing' movement in others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
By the breath of God frost is given (mi-nishmat-'El yitten-qarah, מִנִּשְׁמַת־אֵל יִתֶּן־קָרַח)—The noun nishmat (נִשְׁמַת) from neshamah (נְשָׁמָה) means 'breath' or 'spirit,' the same word used when God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). God's breath both animates life and freezes water—creative and destructive power from the same source. The breadth of the waters is straitened (ve-rohab mayim be-mûtsaq, וְרֹחַב מַיִם בְּמוּצָק)—mûtsaq means constricted or compressed; ice 'narrows' flowing water.
The paradox is stunning: God's life-giving breath can also freeze and kill. The same divine ruach that hovered over primordial waters (Genesis 1:2) now solidifies them. This dual nature of God's breath anticipates the Spirit's work in New Testament—bringing both life (John 20:22) and judgment (2 Thessalonians 2:8).